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Posted: 15th January 2024

Scotland urged not to rush XL bully ban
The Scottish government plans to mirror XL bully legisation in force in England and Wales.
Charities tell Scottish government to learn lessons from England and Wales.

A coalition of veterinary and animal welfare organisations has urged the Scottish government to learn lessons from the “rushed” introduction of the XL bully ban in England and Wales.

The Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf announced on Thursday, 11 January, that Scotland would mirror the rules introduced by the UK government. No date has been set for the new law to come into force in Scotland.

The Dog Control Coalition, made up of Blue Cross, Battersea, British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, Hope Rescue, PDSA, RSPCA, Scottish SPCA, The Kennel Club and USPCA, released a statement in response calling the decision “deeply disappointing”.

The statement criticises the speed at which the law in England and Wales was  implemented and urges the Scottish government to make sure there is enough time and support to help those impacted by the new rules to prepare before the ban comes into force.

The coalition said: “We urge the Scottish government to learn the lessons from the rushed implementation of the ban in England and Wales. It must make sure that there is a sufficient transition period, so that owners have the time and support needed to be able to exempt their dogs, and to ensure neutering capacity is available, and that the process is as clear and simple as possible for dog owners, vets and the rescue charities who will be left to pick up the pieces of this ill-considered legislation.

“It is also crucial that the teams responsible for enforcing this law have the resources and training they need before the ban begins to avoid any more dogs than absolutely necessary from being caught up in this.”  

Instead of breed-specific legislation, the coalition wants to see an overhaul of dangerous dog legislation to put the focus on irresponsible breeders and owners.

Under the legislation introduced in England and Wales by the UK government, XL bully owners need to apply for a certificate of exemption by 31 January 2024 to keep their dog. It is now against the law to breed, sell, give away, or abandon an XL bully, and owners must use a lead and muzzle when their dog is in a public place.

Announcing that Scotland will introduce similar XL bully legislation, Mr Yousaf said: “We will be working at pace to bring forward necessary regulations to mirror the system introduced in England and Wales as soon as possible.

“We will continue to engage with key stakeholders going forward and to offer practical support to help owners comply with these new safeguards.”

Image © Shutterstock



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