Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th February 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Homes sought for XL bully dogs before law changes
Duchess, a three year-old XL bully, is among the dogs looking for a new home.
It will become illegal to rehome an XL bully in Scotland from 23 February.

The Scottish SPCA is urgently seeking new owners for four XL bully type dogs in its care before it becomes illegal to rehome them.

Two of the dogs in the charity’s care, Duchess and Praline, have been assessed as meeting the physical conformation standards of an XL bully. Paddington and Lex are still waiting to be fully assessed, but are believed to meet the criteria.

All four of the dogs have been microchipped, neutered and undergone health checks and behavioural assessments.

Jennie Macdonald, the charity’s head of rehoming, fostering and community engagement, said: “The process of ensuring they are ready for rehoming has been ongoing for some months while the situation in Scotland has been unclear.”

Although a ban on the breed was first announced by the UK government for England and Wales in September 2023, it wasn’t until January 2024 that the Scottish government said that it would introduce similar legislation.

From 23 February, it will be against the law in Scotland to rehome, breed, sell, exchange, gift, advertise, abandon, or allow an XL bully to stray. Owners will also have to follow new rules when their dog is in a public place. From 31 July 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate.

Claire Haynes, head of animal behaviour at the Scottish SPCA, said: “The new registered owners will be required to obtain a certificate of exemption and to comply with all necessary legal requirements, which will include keeping the dog on a lead and muzzled at all times when out in public, including in a car, and maintaining third party insurance.

“We continue to call for the principle of Deed not Breed to be applied, and for the outdated Dangerous Dogs legislation to be overhauled. Any breed of dog can be potentially out of control and dangerous in the wrong hands.”

Image © Scottish SPCA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.