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Scottish XL bully owners warned of exemption deadline
From 1 August, it will be illegal to own an XL bully in Scotland without exemption.
Owners have until midnight on 31 July to apply for an exemption certificate.

The Scottish government has reminded owners of XL bully type dogs of the upcoming deadline to apply for exemption from the XL bully ban.

From 1 August 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL bully type dog without an exemption certificate, or having applied for a certificate.

XL bully owners have until midnight on 31 July to make an online application for exemption. The deadline for postal applications is 15 July.

It costs £92.40 to apply for an exemption certificate. Owners must also get third party insurance, and neuter and microchip their dog.

If an owner decides not to keep their dog, they can apply for compensation.

All exempt XL bully dogs must continue to be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public, following legislation introduced on 23 February. If an XL bully owner is convicted of failing to follow the safeguards, they may receive up to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000.

The exemption application process first opened on 1 April and, since then, 768 dogs have been registered for exemption. This includes 761 registered online and seven postal applications.

Siobhian Brown, victims and community safety minister with the Scottish government, said: “We are now half-way through the time period available to apply for an exemption and I encourage owners who have not yet applied to do so now.

"The scheme is necessary to allow for XL bully owners to legally keep their dogs in the long term, while agreeing to adhere to the necessary safeguards that will help reduce any risks to public safety.”

The Scottish SPCA said: “We continue to believe that safeguards that the Scottish government has chosen to implement is not the solution to the issue when it comes to preventing dog control issues, but as a responsible charity, we will of course continue to comply with legislation that has and will be implemented.

“We welcome the Scottish government’s determination to work with the Scottish SPCA and other key stakeholders which includes the Dog Control Coalition of which the Scottish SPCA are members of to assess the impact of these restrictions being implemented.”

The government has provided this guide for owners to check if their dog is an XL bully.

Image © Shutterstock

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Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.