Decapitated XL Bully found in Worcestershire grave amid rising dog abuse

On August 30, a decapitated XL bully was discovered in a shallow grave in Hampton, near Evesham, Worcestershire. The RSPCA was alerted to the incident, and inspector Claire Davey expressed the distressing nature of the case, appealing for public assistance in identifying the individual responsible. The dog was not microchipped, complicating efforts to trace its owner. The RSPCA reported a staggering 700% increase in the abandonment of XL bullies since the UK government announced a ban on the breed. Additionally, there has been a more than double rise in reports of intentional harm towards these dogs in the first eight months of the year. Dr. Samantha Gaines, the RSPCA's dog welfare expert, highlighted the concerning trend of increased animal abuse, particularly towards XL bullies, which she attributes to the recent ban. The pressures of the ongoing cost of living crisis may have exacerbated the situation for many dog owners, leading to desperate measures. The ban on XL bullies follows a series of attacks on people last year, marking it as the fifth breed to be prohibited in the UK. The RSPCA fears that the negative perception of these dogs has led to deliberate acts of cruelty, and many dogs may face euthanasia simply due to their appearance, rather than their behavior.