XL bully dogs are to become a prohibited type of dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Restrictions
The Scottish Government is introducing the following restrictions, in two phases.
From 23 February 2024 (subject to Parliamentary approval) it will be an offence to:
have an XL bully in public without a lead and muzzle
breed or breed from an XL bully dog
sell an XL bully dog
abandon an XL bully dog or let it stray
give away an XL bully dog
From 31 July 2024 all XL bully owners must have an exemption certificate to own an XL bully.
For details of how to apply for an exemption certificate, visit the Scottish Government website.
Strays
Our dog warden will continue to deal with all stray dogs.
However, where a stray XL bully is encountered we will liaise with Police Scotland as it is now a criminal offence to let an XL bully stray.
Enforcement
The dog warden service is not responsible for putting the changes in place nor enforcing them. For further information visit the Scottish Government’s website.