XL Bully dogs - how a ban is not the answer
Updated 12th January 2024
Yesterday, First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf confirmed that the Scottish Government would be replicating the ban previously announced for England and Wales.
We have written to the Minister for Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown MSP urging the Scottish Government to understand that a ban and breed-specific legislation are not the answer. As has the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission - see their letter here.
We have also emailed our members and supporters to write to their MSP to support a motion lodged by our friend Christine Grahame MSP opposing the proposed ban and do all they can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of innocent XL Bully dogs in Scotland.
Original article from 31st October:
In recent weeks, the debate surrounding the banning of American XL Bully dogs has gained momentum, culminating with Rishi Sunak’s confirmation that they will be added to the list of banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of victims of dog attacks but a blanket ban on specific breeds is not the answer to this serious problem. Instead, we should focus on a more effective, long-term solution: public education in responsible dog ownership.
The ban on American XL Bully dogs is based on the assumption that the breed itself is inherently dangerous. However, recent research by American academics has revealed that breed accounts for just 9% of a dog’s behavioural traits. This means that the vast majority of a dog’s behaviour is determined by factors like training, treatment and age. In essence, any breed of dog, or any other species for that matter, can exhibit aggressive behaviour if it has been raised in an environment that fosters aggression.
The responsibility for ensuring that dogs are well-behaved and safe to be around should lie squarely on the shoulders of breeders and dog owners. It is their duty to learn how to properly train and care for their individual dogs, taking into consideration their unique genetics, temperament and early life experiences, and ensure the safety of both the dog and the people they interact with.
The real solution to reducing dog attacks and promoting responsible pet ownership is education. Education empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and meet their dog’s needs. It helps them recognise and address behavioural issues before they become a problem. Moreover, it fosters a culture of responsible dog ownership that benefits the community as a whole.
One promising example of this ethos in action is the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill 2023. If passed, this legislation will serve as a valuable tool to educate the public in ethical and sustainable dog acquisition and ownership practice. Click here to read more about that Bill, which we fully support.
Public education initiatives can help dispel the myths and stereotypes surrounding certain dog breeds. Banning specific breeds only perpetuates the misconception that certain dogs are inherently dangerous, while others are not. This misguided approach not only punishes responsible dog owners but also fails to address the root causes of dog aggression.
While we are right to be concerned about reducing the number of dog attacks are far as possible, banning American XL bully dogs or any specific breed is not a constructive solution. Instead, we should invest in comprehensive public education programmes that teach responsible dog ownership practices. Legislation like the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill 2023 provides a useful initial roadmap for this, showing the level of commitment involved in caring for a dog.
Let’s focus on responsible ownership and education, rather than breed-specific bans, to address the real issues at hand.
Below is a summary of the key dates that current legislation comes into force. If you, yourself, own an XL Bully dog and need advice on what you can do - click the button below to see the RSPCA’s guidance.
The new rules on XL Bully dogs are as follows:
From 31 December 2023 (England & Wales):
breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning or allowing an XL Bully dog to stray will be illegal.
XL Bully dogs will need to be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
From 1 February 2024:
it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it’s not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs - with unlimited fines for non compliance.
there will be a longer deadline for owners to neuter and microchip their dogs.
Full details on the UK Government website.
