Two Men Arrested Following Alleged Targeted Attack, Killing of XL Bully Amid Surge in Animal Abuse Cases

In a disturbing incident in Slough, Berkshire, two men have been arrested following the death of a dog, reportedly an XL Bully, which authorities allege was subjected to a targeted attack. Thames Valley Police stated that the dog was “deliberately attacked and seriously injured” on September 29. After investigations led the police to a local residence, the men, aged 20 and 22, were detained on Friday, and a quantity of cannabis was allegedly discovered in their possession.

The younger of the two suspects reportedly faces multiple charges, including criminal damage and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, while also being linked to drug-related offenses, such as possession with intent to supply a controlled substance. The older suspect has been apparently charged with criminal damage and animal cruelty.

This incident has brought renewed attention to the troubling trend of violence against XL Bully dogs following their ban in December 2023. As reported, the RSPCA recently revealed a shocking increase in reported cases of abuse towards this breed—incidents of neglect have surged by 239 percent since the government enacted the ban.

The charity details a harrowing landscape, where reports of intentional harm against XL Bully dogs have soared from 39 cases in the first eight months of 2023 to 103 in the corresponding period of 2024. Abandonment incidents reportedly have climbed to an astonishing 692 percent increase, with 103 dogs abandoned in just eight months.

Animal welfare advocates express grave concerns over the violence directed at XL Bullys. The breed was banned amid escalating fears related to a series of attacks, leading the government to criminalize ownership without exemption. These regulations require dog owners to ensure their pets are neutered, microchipped, and muzzled in public, among other stipulations.

The images painted by these reports are deeply unsettling, with allegations of XL Bullys facing severe mistreatment—claims of decapitation, injury, and abandonment have emerged. As public discourse intensifies around the safety and treatment of these breeds, the alleged actions of the two men are seen as part of a broader, troubling pattern of violence.

Police continue to urge the public to come forward with any information regarding the recent incident, as authorities seek to address this disturbing trend in animal cruelty. Animal lovers and advocates are alarmed and are calling for increased protective measures for vulnerable animals as cases like this evoke outrage and sorrow in equal measure.

This arrest highlights not only the complexity surrounding breed-specific legislation but also raises questions about societal attitudes towards certain dog breeds. As the community grapples with these alarming incidents, the story of the XL Bully’s tragic fate remains a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.