XL Bully Attacks Continue in Scotland Despite New Ownership Laws

A year ago, Scotland made owning an XL Bully illegal. New laws banned breeding, selling, abandoning, and giving away these dogs. Owners needed an exemption to keep their pets.

Only one person was prosecuted for no proper dog papers. This happened even with many reported dog attacks. A politician questions how effective these laws truly are. He thinks ministers acted too slowly on a UK-wide ban.

Attacks still occur in Scotland after the ban. Politicians want more resources to punish lawbreakers. They desire safer communities from violent dog attacks. In May 2024, two XL Bullies badly hurt a woman in Edinburgh, sending her to the hospital, and the dogs were later euthanized.

Last March, these dogs were linked to Ayrshire attacks on kids. Also in March, two XL bullies killed a Chihuahua in Glasgow and attacked the poor owner. In December, an XL Bully mauled a man taking out trash, badly hurting and scarring him.

Scottish law mandates muzzles and leashes in public. Someone got convicted for no muzzle, but none for no leash. Many XL Bullies moved to Scotland last year. This happened because Scotland did not initially follow England and Wales restrictions.

The First Minister changed his mind after criticism and announced Scotland would copy the ban. The new laws addressed serious and fatal dog attacks. Over 3000 XL Bully dogs are still in Scotland now. Dogs without proper papers could be put down.

Police respond to reports of dangerous dogs and take actions to ensure public safety. Prosecutors do not track XL Bully destruction orders.