XL Bully dog owners have until 31 July to apply for an exemption certificate so they can continue to keep and legally own their dogs. Otherwise, you’ll be committing a criminal offence.
THE DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING!
Apply here: http://gov.scot/publications/xl-bully-dog-rules/pages/what-you-need-to-apply-for-an-exemption/
XL Bully dog owners are reminded to apply for an exemption certificate before the 31 July deadline so they can continue to keep & legally own their dogs.
Otherwise, you’ll be committing a criminal offence.
Apply: https://ow.ly/kiIE50Syx8h
Postal applications deadline is 15 July.
Last released figures shared by Defra showcased that more than 35,000 dogs have been registered in England and Wales under the XL Bully exemption scheme. Not factoring in the number of dogs living in Scotland who as of 23 February will be required to wear a muzzle, there’s bound to be a surge in dogs outside wearing muzzles.
Muzzles can be divisive, and vet charity PDSA is seeing this first hand.
PDSA Vet, Lynne James, explains there’s many misconceptions around muzzles, which all XL Bully type dogs must now wear when out and about, in order to comply with the Exemption rules. This includes when being transported in a car.
“Experts and animal welfare organisations have campaigned against breed bans for decades, but it’s a big myth that muzzles are bad for dogs.
“As a Vet, and working in the profession, muzzles are no stranger to us. In fact, muzzles can be extremely helpful in our line of work.
“We’re very keen to highlight misconceptions about muzzles. For many, especially now, muzzles are going to be part of their daily routine – grab your dog’s lead, collar and muzzle before heading out for walk.
“Dogs don’t care what they look like – that’s a human thing. Thinking a dog in a muzzle must be ‘dangerous’ just isn’t accurate when muzzles have other uses. Vet professionals see them on a day-to-day basis and frankly, see past the muzzle.
The leading vet charity shared some of the muzzle misconceptions it has heard since the ban was announced:
Why use a muzzle?
“We do understand how muzzles can create the fear of the unknown, especially if you’ve only seen them portrayed on fierce looking guard dogs in films! It’s important to be aware though – muzzles can be used for other positive reasons, and many of the dogs you may see out and about wearing them these days are not to be feared.
“Muzzles can be especially helpful for dogs who like to eat non-food items – owners who have a dog who munches on poo whilst out on walks will understand this better than most!
“They can also create some safety for dogs themselves, if a dog does like to sniff out things to pick up when on walks, a muzzle can help to stop them easily picking up potentially harmful foods or substances.
“Even the friendliest of dogs can find some situations stressful – such as visits to the groomers or the vets, particularly if they’re in pain or have had a previous uncomfortable experience. That’s why we’d recommend all owners include muzzle training with their general dog training, it’s just as handy for your dog to be happy wearing a muzzle as it is for them to know how to ‘sit’ and ‘wait’, should you need them to.”
“It’s also imperative people understand that a muzzle is not ‘animal cruelty’. If a dog is wearing a suitable, comfortably fitting, spacious muzzle, they should be able to fully pant, drink water, and even take treats with ease.
Choosing the right muzzle for your dog
“When choosing the best muzzle for your individual dog, you want to make sure that:
“It’s always key for pet owners to slowly introduce a muzzle in a positive way, to help their dog become confident and happy wearing it.
“Muzzle training shouldn’t be rushed and should always be done at a dog’s pace, in several short sessions over a few weeks, so they have time to adjust and feel comfortable wearing a muzzle.
“Whilst muzzles have their uses for shorter periods of time, they aren’t meant to be worn as a constant. However, a good walk, whether short or long, that suits the energy levels of your dog is fine to wear a muzzle for.”
Key dates for XL type owners in both England and Wales:
Scotland’s ban timeline:
There’s plenty of muzzle training guidance and advice on PDSA’s website, as well as the information the vet charity knows about both the England and Wales ban, and the Scotland ban.
XL Bully dog owners are being urged to prepare for new rules which are expected to come into force on Friday.
New laws laid for consideration in Parliament will make it illegal to sell, advertise, gift or exchange XL Bully dogs, or letting such dogs stray. XL Bully dog owners will also be required to ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead while in a public place.
This is the first stage of safeguards being introduced. The second stage will mean from 1 August 2024 it will be an offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate or having applied for an exemption certificate. Full details on the exemption applications process and the support available will be announced in the coming weeks.
Minister for Victims & Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “With new safeguards for XL Bully dogs coming into force in just a few days it’s vital that owners get ready and prepare from them now.
“Whilst dog attacks remain a rare occurrence, where they do occur, they can have devastating consequences which is why safeguards must be introduced. We are doing so whilst ensuring we promote and support responsible ownership, and public safety as effectively as possible.
“The new regulations aim to protect public safety and are being introduced as a consequence of similar XL Bully controls brought in by the UK Government, which created an unacceptable risk of dogs being moved to Scotland from England and Wales.”
A teenage girl has been reported to the procurator fiscal after an XL bully-type dog injured three people and another dog in East Kilbride at the weekend .
Police shot dead the “dangerously out of control” bulldog-type dog after it attacked a collie on Sunday morning.
The recent legislation banning XL Bullies in the UK has sparked heated debate across the country and has left many owners feeling frustrated and confused.
Viral dog behaviourist, Will Atherton has shared his positive advice and solutions to help owners move forward and regain some control during this difficult situation:
Although controversial, the rationale behind banning certain breeds stems from fears over public safety. Nevertheless, any dog, regardless of its breed, can exhibit aggressive tendencies if they’re not properly socialised and trained.
An outright ban unfairly penalises responsible owners and dogs that have never demonstrated aggression. However, with the ban in place, the one thing owners do have control over is ensuring they and their dogs become guiding examples of just how good these breeds can be with the right training and safeguarding measures in place.
As a behaviourist, Will doesn’t differentiate by breed, he simply addresses behaviours through loving leadership based training methods. With thoughtful training and management, even dogs predisposed to aggression can become safe, controlled companions.
The key is differentiating between aggressive behaviour and a dog with an innate aggressive personality. Even the friendliest dog may react with aggression in certain situations, while a dog predisposed to aggression may never show it with proper management.
As we all know, you can’t necessarily train a dog’s inherent personality. However, you can train behaviours and use strategies to prevent aggression from surfacing. With an emphasis on implementing effective training, focusing on obedience training, muzzle training, and setting clear boundaries.
Obedience Training
Teaching them to sit and stay patiently is a fundamental skill every dog should know. It allows them to be safe and the people around them to feel comfortable. As always, communication is important between owners and their dogs – they should always be looking to you for guidance.
If your dog tends to pull on the lead, it’s important to involve loose lead training. It allows you to be in control and show others that your dog isn’t threatening. This is a vital piece of training because banned or aggressive dogs shouldn’t be off the lead, so it allows them to move freely and calmly while still enjoying the benefits of a walk and the outdoors.
Muzzle Training
As of the start of this month, it’s illegal in the UK to walk an XL Bully type dog without a muzzle. There are safe and positive ways to incorporate muzzle training and make it a fun experience for your dog. Introducing them to the muzzle through treats and getting them used to wearing it, makes walkies that much easier.
Will offers a complimentary, comprehensive online course on positive muzzle training for all breeds, you can find further information here.
Clear Boundaries
You need to show your XL bully or aggressive dog that you are in control. As the owner, you have a duty of care to your dog and those around you.
Use the “four on the floor” method – praise your dog when all four paws are on the floor and interrupt the jumping behaviour.
If your dog is prone to problem behaviours like jumping up at other people, Will utilises his 3-step process of interrupting the bad behaviour, so it doesn’t become further established or get worse – then redirecting them to a desirable behaviour we want them to display, such as sitting nicely when they see someone.
You can then reward that desirable behaviour with treats or the attention they were looking for in the first place, so that the next time they see a new person they know what not to do, and what they should do instead – and doing the right thing will be amazing!
If your dog reacts to other dogs by barking or lunging, it can scare people. This is especially true for banned breeds due to unfair stereotypes. Start at home by rewarding your dog for focusing on you instead of zoning out onto distractions. This will allow you both to better enjoy walks and have peace of mind for others.
These training tips don’t just apply to XL Bullies. Any dog displaying aggressive tendencies should follow these tips to ensure future dogs aren’t subjected to banning laws. You can begin training from your living room or garden, however, if you’re struggling it’s advised to reach out to a trainer for peace of mind.
As for XL Bullies, they tend to be powerful, muscular dogs that need extensive socialisation and training. With proper handling, they can make wonderful companions. Will has worked with many XL Bullies and their dedicated owners who prioritise controlling their dogs in public spaces.
Instead of stigmatising specific breeds, Will thinks that legislation should target irresponsible owners. He encourages the XL Bully community to lead by example, being advocates for proper training and management to show what the breed is capable of with the right care and guidance.
For further guidance and training on XL Bullies or concerns regarding dog aggression, readers are encouraged to refer to Will’s video on the subject here.
Tight safeguards on XL Bully dogs are to be introduced in Scotland to make it a criminal offence to own the breed without an exemption certificate.
The legislation will mirror what has been introduced by the UK Government in England and Wales, and prevent Scotland from becoming a ‘dumping ground’ for this breed.
Under the new rules, existing owners will be required to consider whether they wish to keep their dogs. If they do, they will have to apply and pay a fee for an exemption permit. This will require owners to ensure appropriate safeguards are taken for their XL Bully dogs such as muzzling when in public, being on a lead when in public, taking out insurance and neutering their dogs.
In addition, it will be illegal to sell an XL Bully dog, abandon a dog or let it stray or give it away.
Subject to parliamentary approval, the Minister for Victims and Community Safety will make a statement to Parliament next week on these new safeguards.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “We recognise that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible animal lovers.
“However, now that we know the full implications for Scotland of the UK government’s measures, we are urgently bringing forward new safeguards on XL Bully dogs. It is essential Scotland is not adversely impacted because of any loopholes created as a consequence of the introduction of the UK Government’s policy in England and Wales.
“Recent reports of XL Bully dogs being moved to Scotland from south of the border are concerning and it’s important we do not become a dumping ground for the breed, leading to unacceptable risks to public safety and animal welfare.
“We will be working at pace to bring forward necessary regulations to mirror the system introduced in England and Wales as soon as possible. We will continue to engage with key stakeholders going forward and to offer practical support to help owners comply with these new safeguards.”
The UK Government announced its decision to introduce new controls on XL Bully dogs with no advance notice or consultation with the Scottish Government.
New laws banning XL Bully type dogs have been laid in Parliament today, as the Government adds the breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The announcement fulfils the Government’s pledge to put in place laws to ban the breed by the end of the year and protect the public following a concerning rise in fatal attacks.
Under the new rules, which come into force at the end of the year, it will be illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL Bully dogs to stray in England and Wales.
From this date, these dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. Owners of XL Bully dogs are recommended to start training their dog to wear a muzzle and to walk on a lead ahead of the legal restrictions coming into force.
Breeders have also been told to stop mating these types of dogs from now in preparation of it being a criminal offence to sell or rehome these dogs.
From 1 February 2024 , it will then become illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs. By staggering these two dates, current owners of this breed will have time to prepare for these new rules.
Owners who wish to keep their dogs will have until the end of January to register them and will be forced to comply with strict requirements. As well as being muzzled and kept on a lead in public, these dogs must also be microchipped and neutered.
Dogs under one year when the ban comes in must be neutered by the end of the year, older dogs must be neutered by the end of June.
From 1 February, owners without a Certificate of Exemption face a criminal record and an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully type, and their dog could be seized.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “We are taking quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks and today I have added the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
“It will soon become a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, rehome or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. In due course it will also be illegal to own one of these dogs without an exemption.
“We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.”
Owners may choose to have their dog put to sleep by a vet, with compensation provided to help with these costs. Further details on how to apply for compensation and the evidence required to make a claim will be provided soon.
As part of the process, the definition of the ‘XL Bully’ breed type has also been published today. This follows meetings of an expert group, convened by the Environment Secretary and made up of police, local authority, vets and other animal welfare experts to help define the breed. The definition provides clear assessment criteria for owners and enforcement authorities and is a requirement under the Dangerous Dogs Act in order to deliver the ban.
Owners can access the most up to date information on what action they need to take and when on this dedicated page, Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control are already breaking the law, and the enforcement authorities have a full range of powers to apply penalties to them. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership or their dangerous dogs can be euthanised.
Often bigger breeds of dogs are unfairly stigmatised by the public and seen as scary or frightening, when this very much isn’t the case.
No dog is born bad and as pet parents, we should all be looking to do right by our pets and raise them in a way to show the friendly and compassionate side that man’s best friend is known for.
Leading pet food and wellbeing company Bella & Duke know what it means to be misunderstood. In an attempt to challenge long held misconceptions about the raw pet food, the company set out to see what other misconceptions the UK hold about man’s best friend. The UK wide research revealed that the UK perceived the following as the top five scariest dog breeds:
Bella & Duke’s Pet Behaviourist, Liz Lannie, lists her top five tips to not only make sure your canine companion can be comfortable meeting new people, but also put others at ease and dispel their own misconceptions:
Liz Lannie, Pet Behaviourist at Bella & Duke, added: “We really believe that no dog deserves to be labelled as scary or frightening.
“It’s our responsibility to do right by our pets and create an environment where they can live a life well loved, full of friends and adventures. We know ourselves, change won’t come overnight.
“Take the time each day to implement some type of training whether it’s switching up your usual walking route or meeting a friend for a puppy play date, slowly but surely if you’re consistent you will see changes.”
To find out more about how to train your pets visit: https://www.bellaandduke.com
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after two dogs mauled a deer in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Tuesday after a member of the public witnessed two dogs attacking the animal in a field near Blackford Glen Road.
Animal Rescue Officer Fiona Thorburn said, “When I arrived the deer was in a terrible state, the bite marks were awful and you could see the muscle had been ripped off her back legs. Sadly, the deer was in severe pain and wouldn’t have recovered so the most humane thing to do was to put her to sleep.
“Passers-by described the dogs as two Jack Russell types who were off their leads. It is extremely worrying that these two dogs were able to carry out this attack. It could be that they were being walked by their owner who lost control of them.
“Unfortunately we have been unable to trace the owner but we are hopeful someone in the area may have information. We always advise dog walkers to take extra care when they are in areas with wildlife. In this instance, an animal has lost its life because these dogs were not under their owner’s control.”
Anyone with information relating to the attack should contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
A local couple were taken to hospital after being attacked by a dog in North Edinburgh on Friday, police have confirmed.
The 71-year-old man and 65-year-old woman were walking their own dog when the incident happened at around 4pm on Friday in the park at the junction of Boswall Parkway, Grierson Road and Boswall Drive.
The dog – described as being a pit-bull type – was unrestrained and was with its female owner.
The dog is described as a male, tan-coloured pit bull type breed, with a strong muscular build and large head. It may have been wearing a leather harness.
Its owner was said to have been a woman aged between 30 to 40, 5ft 5in tall, with a large build, blonde hair and wearing a black parka style jacket.
The couple were treated in hospital for their injuries but were released on Friday evening.
PC Carolyn Cutter said: “This was an incredibly dangerous and terrifying incident and we are urgently seeking to trace the owner and the dog.”
If you have any information call
Police Scotland on 101 or
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
