THE Scottish SPCA has said there is “no need” for owners to transport American XL Bullies from England and Wales to Scotland.
It comes following a number of reports of an influx of the banned breed crossing the Border.
A number of XL Bullies have been brought to Scotland with one man claiming he transported 33 dogs before midnight on Hogmanay when the new rule came into force.
On February 1, the dogs will be made illegal in England and Wales, with exemptions for pets who are registered, neutered, microchipped and have a muzzle and lead on when out in public.
In a statement, the Scottish SPCA said: “There is no need for a caring owner in England or Wales to move a dog to Scotland, as they have until January 31 to register their dogs and comply with the conditions for exemption.
“We fully support legislation to protect the public, and, as a responsible charity, will comply with whatever decision the Scottish Government makes.”
Speaking to the media on Friday, Humza Yousaf said the Scottish Government did not think a ban on the breed is “required”.
The Scottish SPCA added: “We believe that anyone found guilty of owning a dangerous dog that has been involved in an attack should be automatically banned for life from owning another dog.
And on the issue of XL bully dogs being rehomed in Scotland following the ban in England and Wales - the FM says he doesn’t think a ban is required here but it’ll be kept under review pic.twitter.com/ln72s8kSGI
— Alan Smith (@Political_AlanS) January 5, 2024
“However, we are opposed to this ban on a specific dog type, which we believe is not the most effective way to protect the public.
“Instead, we believe any breed of dog can be potentially out of control and dangerous in the wrong hands.”
The Scottish SPCA said it wants to see an end to irresponsible ownership and low-welfare breeding practices, and is “disappointed” the UK Government hasn’t taken the opportunity to completely overhaul the Dangerous Dogs Act.
