XL bully thrown from Sheffield bridge in 'sickening' act - RSPCA

The dog was found under the A57 flyover near Beighton on 22 January

An American XL bully dog has been found dead after it was believed to have been thrown from a bridge in Sheffield.

The RSPCA has launched an investigation after the muzzled black and white female dog was found by a walker beneath the A57 flyover near Beighton.

The animal welfare charity believes the dog had not been dead long when it was found shortly before 11:00 GMT on 22 January.

RSPCA inspector Kristy Ludlam said it was a "very callous and sickening act".

She said she believed the dog had been alive when thrown, adding: "From the injuries sustained and the location where she was found, it appears that the poor dog was thrown from the flyover and died due to blunt force trauma injuries as she hit the ground."

RSPCA inspector Kristy Ludlam condemned the "sickening" incident

The area where the dog was found is known as the Washlands and is popular with dog walkers.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have footage is asked to contact the RSPCA.

Ms Ludlam said: "There are big barriers so it would have been quite difficult for a dog to jump over there herself so it does look very suspicious.

"I'm really hoping someone did see something hence we're trying to get the word out there."

The dog had been microchipped to a breeder in Wigan but the details were out of date.

American XL bullies will be illegal to own without an exemption certificate from 1 February. They must be kept on a lead and muzzled.

They can no longer be bred, sold, advertised, gifted or exchanged. It is also illegal to abandon the dogs or let them stray. All dogs on the exempt list must be neutered and microchipped.

XL bully owners have until 31 January to complete the exemption process online application.