An American XL Bully dog fell victim to a horrifying attack just before the New Year’s Eve celebrations kicked in, coinciding with the ban on this breed coming into effect.

Discovered in a London alleyway, the poor creature suffered severe burns on its front paws and a fractured skull. Shockingly, its legs were bound together, and one of its ears had been cruelly sliced off.

The distressing incident occurred in Carshalton, reported to the RSPCA on Saturday, mere hours before a new law encompassing the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act was to be implemented in England and Wales. Initial investigations revealed that the dog had escaped from a garden due to the havoc wreaked by weekend storms, toppling down a fence.

However, RSPCA inspector Harriet Daliday expressed uncertainty about the circumstances leading to the dog’s injuries. She couldn’t confirm whether the head injury was a result of a collision with a vehicle or a deliberate act. “At this stage, we don’t have concrete evidence if the dog’s head injury was due to a car collision or a deliberate act,” she stated. “The appalling discovery of the dog with tied legs, set on fire, and an ear cut off is deeply troubling. We urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward in complete confidence.”

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay highlighted the government’s fulfilment of its commitment to swift action following a fatal mauling in Staffordshire last September. The newly passed legislation makes breeding, selling, advertising, exchanging, abandoning, gifting, rehoming, or allowing XL Bully dogs to stray illegal. As of January 31, owning an XL Bully will be an offence unless it’s registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs and complies with the specified requirements.