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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 20th February 2024
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Scotland’s XL bully owners urged to prepare for new rules
XL bully owners in Scotland will be required to ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead when in a public place.
The first stage of safeguards will be introduced Friday.

XL bully owners in Scotland are being reminded to prepare for the deadline of the first stage of an XL bully ban in Scotland.

From Friday, 23 February 2024, XL bully owners in Scotland will be required to ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead when in a public place.

This first stage of rules will also mean it is illegal to sell, advertise, gift or exchange XL bullies. Furthermore, it will be illegal to let dogs of this type stray.

Dog owners who are convicted of breaching these safeguards could face up to six months imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to £5,000.

This stage of rules is set to be followed by a second stage, effective 1 August 2024, which will make it an offence to own an XL bully without owning or having applied for an exemption certificate. The definition of an XL bully will be the same as is used by the UK government.

The Scottish government is due to release full details on how to apply for an exemption certificate, and the support available, in the coming weeks.

The first stage of legislation has been presented to the Scottish parliament for consideration, ahead of it coming into force on Friday. The Criminal Justice Committee is to take evidence from Siobhain Brown, the minister for victims and community safety, on Wednesday, 21 February.

Ms Brown said: “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.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here. 

Click here for more...
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Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com