Scotland’s XL bully dog safeguards have fully come into force.
It is now a criminal offence to own the breed without an exemption certificate or having applied for one.
The Scottish government introduced the new rules in two phases, with XL bully dog owners previously having to keep their pet on a lead and muzzled when out in public.
Those that are convicted of breaching the safeguards could face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
Scotland’s XL bully rules:
• The dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled when out in public.
• Selling, breeding, abandoning or giving them away is illegal.
• Owners will have to apply and pay a £92.40 fee for their dog to be added to the exemption index. Applicants must obtain third party insurance, microchip their pet, and commit to having their dog neutered.
Those who have opted not to keep their dogs can apply for £100 to cover the cost of having the animal euthanised, along with a further £100 to compensate them for the loss of their pet.
Those who use a free charity service to euthanise their pet can only claim £100.
Claims can be made up to 30 September, but the appointment details must have been arranged with a vet ahead of the 31 July deadline.
The second phase of the rules came into force on Thursday.
Holyrood is replicating regulations introduced by Westminster, which were 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”.
A Scottish government spokesperson said: “The scheme is necessary to allow for XL bully owners to legally keep their dogs in the long term, while agreeing to adhere to the necessary safeguards that will help reduce any risks to public safety.”
XL bully Soprano, right, with French bulldog El Chapo. Pic: Lauren Ballantyne
XL bully owner Lauren Ballantyne, from Fife, said responsible owners will comply with the regulations, but feels they are unfair on the breed.
The mum-of-two, who cares for XL bully Soprano alongside four other French bulldogs, said July had been a struggle financially.
As well as paying for Soprano’s exemption certificate, she also had to fork out for two birthdays, an MOT and two new tyres.
She said: “What a month, but I’m glad it’s done. If people love their dogs that much, they would have sorted out the exemption and insurance.”
Ms Ballantyne is opposed to a ban on dog breeds and instead believes irresponsible ownership and low-welfare breeding practices are to blame.
She added: “The insurance has been a nightmare. My Soprano has been attacked three times by other dogs since the ban first started coming into force.
“One left my boy with puncture wounds that caused him to get a bacterial infection due to the other dog’s tooth. Soprano was left defenceless due to having to wear a muzzle.
“All the other dog’s owner said was, ‘oh, sorry about that’. If that was my dog, he would have been shot dead.”
Read more from Sky News:
Scotland’s ‘loneliest dog’ finds forever home
Puppies put down in ‘worst case’ of dog neglect vet had ever seen
The Scottish SPCA supports the legislation but has long opposed restrictions that focus on specific breeds.
Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We know that any breed of dog can be potentially out of control and dangerous in the wrong hands.
“We continue to believe the safeguards that the Scottish government has chosen to implement is not the solution to the issue when it comes to preventing dog control issues, but as a responsible charity, we will of course continue to comply with legislation that has and will be implemented.”
Source Agencies
