Shock as XL Bully locked in cage found dead floating in city canal

RSPCA officers were called to the Crawford Street Canal in Saltley, Birmingham, by police on Friday following reports of a dog’s body in the water.

Animal rescuer Paul Nijar, who visited the scene, said: “The dog’s body was inside a metal cage that was floating in the canal; I took the cage out of the water and it was clear that the dog was sadly dead.

“The dog is an unneutered adult male, type XL brown Bully, aged one to two years.

“I scanned him and he was microchipped as ‘puppy 8’.

“When we asked for microchip contact details at an address in West Bromwich they said they had had a litter of puppies which they had sold and did not keep contact details.

“They had no further information about who had purchased the puppy and were understandably shocked by what had happened.”

Inspector Laura Brewerton has launched an investigation into the dog’s suspicious death.

She said: “We do not currently know the circumstances of this dog’s death, but it is extremely worrying that he was found locked in this crate floating in the water and we cannot rule out the possibility that he was thrown alive into the canal and left to drown, which is horrible.

“We are currently investigating this heartbreaking incident and would appeal to anyone who recognizes this dog or who saw anything suspicious in this area on Friday – or in the days before – to contact us. This can be done anonymously.”

Anyone with information that could help the investigation should contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Leave a message quoting reference 1288402.