A heartbroken mum has accused police of treating her beloved XL Bully 'like rubbish' after the dog's ashes were returned in a cardboard box which had contained tonic water.

Nicole Pryde Jarvis, 30 and from Congleton, said she was left devastated when she discovered the remains of her three-year-old dog Cali, who had been seized and put down by police, inside the Fever Tree elderflower tonic packaging.

She says her 13-year-old daughter unknowingly opened the box, unaware of what was inside, triggering an emotional breakdown when the ashes spilled out.

Nicole said the bizarre packaging choice has compounded months of trauma following Cali's seizure and destruction by Cheshire Police.

"To receive my dog in a box of tonic water was so upsetting. I was crying," she said.

"It feels like they don't have any respect. I feel so mistreated and disrespected."

The dog was taken on October 25 last year - the same day as Nicole's eldest daughter's 13th birthday - after complaints were made by neighbours in Congleton.

Nicole claims that Cali had never shown aggression - but was seized because the dog was not exempt under the XL Bully ban.

advertisement

She says the dog had been living with an ex-partner when the ban came into force and was not exempted before the deadline.

Nicole added: "She wasn't an aggressive dog, she was timid and had never done anything wrong. She had such a good temperament."

The mum-of-two said she had tried to fight for her dog through the courts but ultimately lost the case.

She continued: "A police officer texted me to say that she had been destroyed on January 28.

"But no one told me her ashes would be posted."

Nicole and Cali (Credit: SWNS)

Speaking about the moment the parcel arrived, Nicole said: "My daughter opened it.

"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.

"My daughter broke down when she found out what it was. It was so upsetting."

Nicole said the impact has been overwhelming, adding: "I've not really slept and I'm constantly crying.

"I just want my dog back. She didn't deserve any of this."

Vowing to take action, she said: "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.

"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."

Cheshire Police has been approached for comment.