A suspected XL Bully dog has been killed in a ‘targeted’ attack in Slough, sparking an investigation by the authorities. The incident occurred on Burnham Lane at around 6.05 pm on Sunday, 29th September, when the police received reports of a large brown dog being deliberately targeted. Despite being rushed for emergency treatment, the dog succumbed to its injuries.
Reports suggest that the attackers arrived at the scene in a black vehicle and swiftly fled the scene in the same car following the attack. While the dog is believed to have been an XL Bully breed, further inquiries are ongoing to confirm its exact breed. This unfortunate incident comes in the wake of a heightened level of violence against XL Bully dogs since the breed was banned earlier this year.
The RSPCA recently disclosed alarming figures showcasing a sharp increase in abuse towards XL Bully dogs post the breed ban, with incidents ranging from decapitation to abandonment and other forms of intentional harm. The charity received 103 reports of abuse towards XL Bully dogs in the first eight months of 2024, a significant surge from the 39 reports in the same period in 2023.
Detective Inspector Sarah Noah, the investigating officer, addressed the situation, stating, “We are investigating this incident in which a dog has been killed, it is not believed at this stage that the dog was posing a threat at the time of the incident and this may have been targeted.” She urged any witnesses to come forward and appealed to individuals driving in the Burnham Lane area on the evening of the incident to check their dash-cam footage for any relevant information.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact the police at 101 or submit details through the online witness appeal form, quoting the reference number 43240468625. Alternatively, individuals can reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
The tragic incident has reignited concerns about the mistreatment of XL Bully dogs and underscored the need for vigilance and prompt action to safeguard these animals from harm. The community is urged to cooperate with the ongoing investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further acts of violence against vulnerable animals.