The first phase of the Scottish government’s safeguards on XL bully dogs has come into force.
Holyrood is replicating regulations introduced by Westminster, which makes it a criminal offence to own an unlicensed XL bully dog without an exemption certificate.
From today, XL bully dogs in Scotland must be kept on a lead and muzzled when out in public. Selling, breeding, abandoning or giving the dogs away is also now illegal.
The rules were recently implemented in England and Wales following a spate of attacks in which people died or were injured by the breed.
The Scottish government said the regulations were being introduced north of the border after the UK government’s controls reportedly “created an unacceptable risk of dogs being moved to Scotland from England and Wales”.
The XL bully rules in Scotland
First stage (from 23 February):
•The dogs must now be kept on a lead and muzzled when out in public
• Selling, breeding, abandoning or giving the dogs away is now illegal
Second stage (from 1 August):
• Owners will have to apply and pay a fee, yet to be confirmed, for their dog to be added to the exemption index – which will include having the pet microchipped and neutered
The Scottish government said full details of the exemption application process and the support available will be announced in the “coming weeks”.
Compensation will be payable to owners who no longer wish to keep their pet, including reimbursement for euthanasia.
Those that are convicted of breaching the rules could face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
Community safety minister Siobhian Brown previously stressed that the new rules would be “safeguards rather than a ban”.
On Monday, Ms Brown said it was “vital” that XL bully owners get ready and prepare for their implementation.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/xl-bully-safeguards-first-phase-comes-into-force-in-scotland-13076843