Mother Accuses Police of Treating XL Bully 'Like Rubbish' After Ashes Return
A furious mother has launched a scathing attack on Cheshire Police, alleging they showed profound disrespect by returning her XL Bully dog's ashes in a cardboard box originally designed for tonic water. The incident has sparked outrage and emotional distress for the family involved.
Shocking Discovery by Teenage Daughter
Nicole Pryde Jarvis, a 30-year-old mother of two from Congleton, revealed that her 13-year-old daughter inadvertently opened the parcel, mistaking it for a routine delivery. The box was labelled as Fever Tree elderflower packaging, leading to a traumatic moment when the ashes spilled out unexpectedly.
"My daughter opened it. I didn't know what it was at first, I thought it might have been a Shein order," Nicole explained. "When I saw it was a box of tonic water, I thought - what the hell? I've not ordered tonic water, I don't like it. But then Cali's ashes just fell out of the box. My daughter broke down when she found out what it was. It was so upsetting."
Background of the XL Bully Seizure
The three-year-old dog, named Cali, was seized by Cheshire Police on October 25 last year following complaints from neighbours. Despite Nicole's efforts to contest the seizure through legal channels, the XL Bully was not exempt under the nationwide ban and was subsequently euthanised on January 28.
Nicole received a text message from officers informing her that the dog had been "destroyed," but she claims there was no prior notification about the return of the ashes via post. "A police officer texted me to say that she had been destroyed on January 28," she stated. "But no one told me her ashes would be posted."
Emotional Fallout and Calls for Accountability
The mother described the emotional impact as overwhelming, stating she has struggled with sleep and constant crying since the incident. She insists that Cali was a timid and non-aggressive dog with a good temperament, who was living with an ex-partner when the ban came into effect, missing the exemption deadline.
"To receive my dog in a box of tonic water was so upsetting. I was crying. It feels like they don't have any respect. I feel so mistreated and disrespected," Nicole expressed. She has vowed to file a formal complaint and pursue the matter further, demanding a significant apology from the police force, including to her children.
"I'm going to complain and take this as far as I can. I'm not going to let them get away with this. I want them to know how disgusted I am," she declared. "I don't want anyone else to have to receive their dog's ashes in a box of tonic water - it's disgusting. I want a massive apology and I want them to apologise to my kids as well."
Police Response and Broader Context
Cheshire Police have been approached for comment regarding the allegations. This case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the XL Bully ban, which has led to numerous seizures and euthanasias across the UK since its implementation. The incident raises questions about procedural sensitivity and the handling of remains in such emotionally charged situations.
Nicole's experience underscores the personal toll of the ban, with families facing not only the loss of their pets but also what they perceive as institutional insensitivity. As she seeks redress, this story may prompt wider scrutiny of police practices in similar cases, emphasising the need for compassion and proper protocols in animal-related matters.
