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: 20th 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

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

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

New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.