Mother's Distress Over XL Bully's Ashes Returned in Tonic Water Packaging
A mother from Cheshire has described her profound distress after the ashes of her beloved XL Bully dog were returned to her family in a recycled cardboard box that had previously contained elderflower tonic water.
Traumatic Delivery of Pet's Remains
Nicole Pryde Jarvis, aged 30, said she has been "constantly crying" since the remains of her three-year-old dog Cali arrived at her home in unexpected packaging. The unsuspecting parcel was opened by her teenage daughter, who "broke down" when the ashes "fell out" of the Fever Tree elderflower tonic water box.
"To receive my dog in a box of tonic water was so upsetting," Nicole explained. "I was crying. It feels like they don't have any respect. I feel so mistreated and disrespected."
Seizure Under XL Bully Ban Legislation
Cali was seized by Cheshire Police on October 25 last year following complaints from neighbours in Congleton. The seizure occurred on what was coincidentally Nicole's eldest daughter's 13th birthday, adding to the family's emotional trauma.
Nicole maintained that Cali had never shown aggression and described her as a "timid" dog with an excellent temperament. The XL Bully had been living with an ex-partner when the breed ban came into force and had not been exempted before the government deadline.
"She wasn't an aggressive dog," Nicole insisted. "She was timid and had never done anything wrong. She had such a good temperament."
Legal Battle and Unexpected Notification
The mother-of-two revealed she had attempted to fight for Cali through the courts but ultimately lost her case. She received a text message from a police officer on January 28 informing her that Cali had been destroyed, but no notification was given about how the ashes would be returned.
"My daughter opened it," Nicole recounted. "I didn't know what it was at first, I thought it might have been a Shein order. 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."
Emotional Impact and Demand for Accountability
The incident has taken a significant emotional toll on the family. Nicole reported difficulty sleeping and persistent crying since receiving her pet's remains in what she considers inappropriate packaging.
"I've not really slept and I'm constantly crying," she said. "I just want my dog back. She didn't deserve any of this. I'm going to complain and take this as far as I can. I'm not going to let them get away with this."
Nicole is demanding a formal apology from the authorities and wants to ensure no other pet owners experience similar distress. "I want them to know how disgusted I am," she stated. "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 Third-Party Procedures
A Cheshire Police spokesperson addressed the situation, acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding animal destruction while explaining procedural arrangements.
"While we understand the destruction of any animal is a sensitive matter," the spokesperson said, "a third-party provider is responsible for the destruction and cremation of any seized dogs, and they will liaise directly with the owner. However, we will give feedback on the concerns raised in this case to the third-party for their internal review."
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the implementation of the XL Bully ban and the treatment of pets and their owners during enforcement procedures. Many animal welfare advocates have expressed concern about the emotional impact of such incidents on families who have lost beloved companions through legislative measures.
