Warning: This story contains graphic images 

A dead XL Bully type dog was found tied up in a field in Codicote last week, prompting the RSPCA to launch an appeal.

The animal charity fears the dog was abandoned and left for dead, after a member of the public found it on Thursday (September 26) in a field off Heath Lane.

The brown and white dog had no obvious injuries, though it did have blood on its nose and around its mouth.

The RSPCA has now launched an appeal for information.

Animal welfare officer Jess Barron said: "This is really heart-breaking. As the dog was tied up, we fear it was abandoned and left for dead. We don’t know if they were exempted under the recent XL bully ban. Regardless of the situation, it isn’t OK to abandon an animal. There are organisations out there that can help."

The dog had blood around his nose and mouth.The dog had blood around his nose and mouth. (Image: RSPCA) The dog’s body had been removed by the time the RSPCA attended the scene.

Anyone who recognises the dog, or has further information which can help the RSPCA’s investigation, can call the RSPCA’s appeals line in confidence on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 1360282.

Jess added: "Even though XL Bullies are banned, it doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to abandon or neglect them. Sadly, we’ve had more and more reports this year."

Reports of intentional harm to dogs reported to be XL Bullies increased by 164% in the first eight months of this year, figures from the RSPCA show.

The XL Bully type dog had been tied upThe XL Bully type dog had been tied up (Image: RSPCA)

The number of reports made to the RSPCA of intentional harm to XL Bullies in the first eight months of 2024 was 103, compared to 39 in the same time period in 2023 - shortly before the ban was announced on September 15, 2023.

Meanwhile, reports of abandoned XL Bullies have increased by 692 per cent - 103 from January to August 2024, compared to 13 for the same time period in 2023.

Reports of neglect towards the breed have increased by 239 per cent - 366 reports from January to August 2024, compared to 108 in 2023.

The UK Government announced the breed would be banned on September 15, 2023. The law then came into force in England and Wales on December 31.