Question reference: S6W-24483
- Asked by: Christine Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 12 January 2024
-
Current status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 24 January 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the introduction in England and Wales of restrictions on XL bully dogs, and the First Minister’s announcement on 11 January 2024 that it will, in essence, replicate in Scotland the legislation that exists in England and Wales on XL bully dogs, when any scheme will be operational in Scotland; whether it will be part of the UK-wide scheme or standalone; who will be responsible for maintaining a register of ownership, and what discussions it has had with potential keepers of a register about whether such a register will be made publicly available.
Answer
Replicating the approach taken in England and Wales, it will be possible for owners of XL Bully dogs to retain their dogs by applying for an exemption. Details of how this can be done will be published as the scheme is launched and practical and helpful support will be provided by the Scottish Government for XL Bully dog owners.
The effect of an exemption being granted will be that an XL Bully dog will be added to the already operating index of exempt dogs. This index has operated since the 1990s and it is operated on a day-to-day basis by the UK Government for Scotland (this reflects the fact that the exemption index was established prior to devolution). There are currently no plans to change how the index operates.
Making the index publicly available would require consideration of a number of issues including data protection. The Scottish Government would be happy to raise this issue with the operator of the index as part of the process of delivering the new XL Bully dogs safeguards in Scotland.