Scotland has followed England and Wales in enforcing a ban on XL Bullies. Though the Scottish XL Bully ban will come at a later date, the Scottish government has asked dog owners to prepare for the official ban on the breed a few months from now.
In the meantime, the government has already introduced strict restrictions that current XL Bully owners should comply with starting this month.
When does Scotland’s XL Bully ban come into effect
The ban on XL Bullies in Scotland will take effect from July 31, 2024. When that time comes, the government will only allow those granted a certificate of exemption to keep their pet.
However, starting Feb. 23, selling or exchanging an XL Bully will be illegal. Additionally, owners of the breed should, from this date, ensure their pets wear a muzzle and remain on lead at all times in public.
Siobhian Brown — Scotland’s Community Safety Minister — believes these restrictions will help prepare owners of the breed to know what to expect in case they decide to get an exemption certificate to keep their pets.
She told BBC News that these “legal safeguards will provide owners seeking an exemption an appropriate length of time to decide how to prepare for the forthcoming change in the law ahead of the 31 July deadline.”
Furthermore, the minister explained that these rules are necessary to protect the public, given that the official ban on the breed is months away. She stated: “These new rules are intended to prevent risks to public safety and animal welfare and keep our communities safe.”
Over the coming weeks, the government will communicate when the exemption certificate registration system will open.
Unregistered XL Bully owners will face penalties in Scotland
The Scottish government has made it clear that owners who will not comply with the implemented safeguards starting Feb. 23 will face a £5,000 fine. Moreover, owners who fail to adhere to the restrictions risk facing 6-month imprisonment.
