Scotland’s XL Bully laws yield only one conviction despite reported dog attacks and breed restrictions.
One person was charged for owning a dog improperly. This is despite many reported dog attacks. An XL Bully named Kilo was shot by police in East Kilbride.
Jamie Greene thinks the laws might not be working well. He says ministers took too long to join a UK ban. Dangerous XL Bullies still attacked people in Scotland. The justice system needs resources to punish lawbreakers. This can keep communities safe.
In 2024, an Edinburgh woman was hurt really badly. Her two XL Bullies attacked her in her flat. She went to the hospital, and the dogs were put down. Last March, these dogs attacked two children in East Ayrshire. Two XL Bullies killed a Chihuahua and attacked its owner. It happened in Glasgow’s east end the same month.
Last December, an XL Bully mauled a man. It scarred him for life as he took out his bins. Scottish law now says these dogs must be muzzled. They also must be leashed in public spaces. Only one person was charged for lacking a muzzle. Nobody got charged for lacking a leash.
Many XL Bullies moved to Scotland last year. Scotland did not initially copy England and Wales’ restrictions. Humza Yousaf changed his mind after attacks. He said his government would copy the ban. Scots XL Bully owners now have similar rules. These laws came after many serious attacks.
A dog trainer works to improve the Bully image. New laws enforce muzzles and leashes. Deeps Jagdev hosts “Hold Your Muzzle High” walks. They help owners feel confident. Owners meet at a park with their dogs. The dogs wear muzzles and leashes. Deeps runs sessions with her XL Bully cross, Saint.
Figures say over 3000 XL Bullies are still in Scotland. Any XL Bully with no proper papers could be killed. Police will check on dangerous dog breeds. They will take action to protect the public. The prosecution service does not track dog destruction orders.