i tried to remove it, but i was scared of breaking the strap and it's a cast-iron female dog to try to get off.
If you really wanted to get it off I have 2 suggestions:
Boiling hot water. Dunk him in a glass and the rubber should soften.
Remove the screw from his back and take him apart.
That's only if you really wanted to take it off. He's probably fine "as is". I'm just throwing the suggestions out there.