THE Scottish Government does not think a ban on XL bully dogs is "required" in Scotland, the First Minister has said.
Breeding, selling, or abandoning the dogs became illegal in England and Wales as of December 31.
On February 1, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without a certificate.
Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhan Brown has said she is “concerned” over reports of the dogs being rehomed in Scotland.
She added officials have made “clear” to the UK Government that people in England and Wales “should not use loopholes” to rehome their dogs.
Asked about the matter, Humza Yousaf said the Scottish Government was "monitoring the situation" and keeping a ban "under review" – but added he didn't think one was needed.
He said: "We are monitoring the situation, keeping close to those on the ground. We have a very controlled and quite tight regime when it comes to the management of animals, control of dogs, and that is something that is quite unique in Scotland compared to other parts of the UK.
"We are keeping the potential ban under review. We don't think it is required but it is something we keep under continual review."
The Scottish Government is currently consulting victims of dog attacks, animal charities, police, and trade unions with no timeline confirmed.
Underheugh Ark Rescue, an animal charity in the west of Scotland, shared to followers on social media: “We have seen many ‘pop-up rescues’ moving huge numbers of dogs to Scotland.
"Dogs are being dumped at police stations, sold on sites after being given away free in England, and worst still they are being found dead.”
It comes after one man from the West Midlands repeatedly drove more than 200 miles to Scotland, collecting groups of XL bullies on the journey.
According to a GoFundMe page set up to support the pursuit, Wilkinson has transported around 30 dogs to Scotland so far.
It is unclear where the dogs have been taken to.
