New regulations are expected to come into force in Scotland around the ownership of XL Bully dogs.

Stage 1: Coming into force on 23rd February

• owners must ensure their dogs are muzzled and on a lead when in a public place
• selling, gifting or exchanging XL Bully dogs will be prohibited

Stage 2: Coming into force from 31st July

• It will be an offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate or having applied for an exemption certificate.
• Existing XL Bully dog owners will need to consider whether they wish to keep their dogs and if so will have to apply and pay for an exemption permit by that date.

The penalties available to a court upon conviction for breach of the new safeguards are up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £5,000.

The new regulations will bring Scotland in line with England and Wales which reached Stage 2 of the regulations on 1st February 2024.

The XL Bully breed type is a variant of the wider American Bully breed type. The XL Bully breed type is typically larger (both in terms of height and body shape) and more muscular than other American Bully breed types such as the ‘Micro’, ‘Pocket’, ‘Standard’ and ‘Classic’.

Minister for Victims & Community Safety in the Scottish Government, Siobhian Brown said:

“It is vital XL Bully dog owners get ready for the first stage of legal safeguards that will come into force on 23 February. These new rules are intended to prevent risks to public safety and animal welfare and keep our communities safe.

“The second stage of 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.

“The vast majority of dog owners are responsible animal lovers and we know owning a dog brings with it important responsibilities.  I would encourage owners to make themselves aware of the new laws and get ready for them.”