Abandoned XL bully rescued and rehomed

The 10-month-old XL bully was abandoned in Ascot

A woman has rescued an XL bully dog and raised enough cash for an exemption certificate after it was abandoned and tied to a tree.

The 10-month-old male puppy was found "distressed, cold and malnourished" in Ascot, Berkshire, and was at risk of being put down, Justine Edmonds, who found it, said.

A crowdfunding page set up to help the animal has raised almost £2,500.

Ms Edmonds said she had managed to find accommodation for it in Scotland.

Ms Edmond who rescued the animal said "he has been a pleasure to look after"

New rules for owning American XL bully dogs have been introduced in England and Wales.

They must now be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.

From Thursday it is illegal to own one without an exemption certificate.

New restrictions are being introduced in Scotland from 23 February.

The government said 23 deaths had been caused by dog attacks since the start of 2021, "with the XL bully being disproportionately involved".

In several cases, XL bullies have killed their owners or bystanders, including 55-year-old Ian Langley, 52-year-old Ian Price, 65-year-old Ann Dunn, 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch and 10-year-old Jack Lis.

Ms Edmonds has two large working Dobermanns

Ms Edmonds, who has two Doberman dogs of her own, said: “Thankfully I have a separate heated building where I have been able to house him safely.

“I have been getting up at 05:00 GMT so I can walk him safety and also care for my dogs.”

She said she had paid £1,600 for him to be checked over by a vet, microchipped, neutered, and for an exemption certificate.

Extra donations will go towards a muzzle and food, as he is “very underweight”, Ms Edmonds added.

She described the donations from the public as “generous”.

“My heart really goes out to owners with this breed, whilst I’ve only been a carer for a short time I actually find Dobermans more challenging,” she said.