The RSPCA has initiated an investigation into a distressing incident where the lifeless body of a muzzled XL bully was discovered beneath the A57 flyover in The Washlands area of Beighton, near Sheffield, on Monday, January 22. The dog, a black and white XL Bully, is believed to have suffered fatal injuries after being thrown from the road above.

Inspector Kristy Ludlam expressed the grim details of the case, stating, “From the injuries sustained and the location where she was found, it appears that the poor dog was thrown from the flyover and died due to blunt force trauma injuries as she hit the ground.”

The RSPCA is urging anyone with information related to the incident, especially if they observed anything suspicious around the time the dog was found, to come forward. The dog was discovered on a route frequently used by dog walkers, and Inspector Ludlam underlined the urgency of the investigation.

The dog, microchipped to a breeder in Wigan, lacked registered details for the new owner. The incident adds a tragic layer to the recent classification of XL bullies as dangerous dogs under UK law. Owners were required to obtain exemptions by January 31 to retain their dogs, subject to stringent measures such as muzzling and leash requirements in public spaces.

Failure to secure an exemption could result in the seizure and euthanasia of the dogs by the police.