The police have confirmed that there is currently no ongoing investigation into the tragic death of an XL bully pup found dead and covered in blood inside a crate in Bexleyheath. The RSPCA recently issued an appeal regarding the death of a young female dog believed to be between six to nine months old.
The lifeless body was discovered within a large metal crate on a patch of grass in Halcot Avenue on January 17. The dog suffered a severe head injury, determined by veterinarians to be caused by “blunt force,” and displayed signs of blood coming from her mouth and back.
The incident transpired just a week before a ban on the breed is scheduled to take effect. Concerns that the injuries may have been inflicted deliberately led the RSPCA to launch an investigation. However, the police have confirmed that while they initially inquired into the case, there is currently no police investigation underway. The case will be revisited if additional information emerges.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated, “An initial investigation into the circumstances was carried out, and at this time, there is no police investigation. Should any further information come to light, this will be assessed and investigated accordingly.”
Vicki Hudson, founder of Missing Paw UK, took the animal to be examined by a Thamesmead vet and shared details regarding the discovery. According to Vicki, a resident parked their vehicle on Halcot Avenue around 4:30 pm, with no sign of the dog or crate in sight at that time. Another resident, walking their pet around 6:15 pm, later made the grim discovery of the dog’s body.
Vicki emphasised that the dog appeared to lack an owner and was without a microchip, technically leaving no designated victim. However, she expressed determination to seek justice for the dog, highlighting the clear violation of the Animal Welfare Act and the unacceptable infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering on an animal.
The dog did not wear a collar or tag and had no microchip. The vets noted that the dog appeared generally healthy, aside from the head trauma.
Kirsten Ormerod, an inspector at the RSPCA animal charity, expressed deep concern about the case, saying, “It’s incredibly upsetting that her bloodstained body was dumped so carelessly in a residential area. It must have been a shocking discovery to make. At this stage, we have no idea how this poor dog has sustained such a head injury, but I’m deeply concerned that it may have been caused deliberately.
The black metal crate in which the puppy was found had been stained with faeces and urine. It was covered with a beige sheet and secured with pink twine. The large crate would not fit in a standard car, suggesting that a van might have been used for transportation.
The RSPCA is urgently appealing to the public for help with the investigation. Ms Ormerod stated, “We’re appealing to the public for help with this investigation. If anyone recognizes this poor dog, we’d urge them to get in touch. We’d also like to hear from anyone who lives in the area, has CCTV or a doorbell camera, and can provide footage that may assist our inquiries.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA appeal line at 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01210692. The search for answers and justice for the young pup continues.
