An appeal for information has been launched by the RSPCA after a decapitated dog, believed to be an XL bully type, was found.

The sad discovery was made on 30 August by a member of the public, who found the body in Red Lane, Hampton, in Evesham.

The grey-coloured dog’s heavily decomposed body was found in a shallow grave.

RSPCA Inspector Claire Davey, who is looking into the incident, said: “This is a very distressing incident and we are appealing for the public to help us find the person responsible for this. The dog isn’t microchipped so we are relying on anyone who has information to get in touch so we can look into this incident further.”

People with information can call the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 1342433.

While XL bullies were banned on 31 Decemberlast year, it is legal to own an XL bully as long as they were exempted before the deadline.

In the first eight months of this year, the RSPCA has seen a 164% increase in cruelty and neglect in the breed – 103 in 2024 compared to 39 in 2023 – compared to the same time period last year, which was shortly before the ban was announced.