Deadline for XL Bully exemption passes: What are the rules?

The deadline to apply for an exemption to legally keep a XL Bully in Scotland has passed.

From Thursday, August 1, it is a criminal offence in Scotland to own an XL Bully without the certificate or to have applied for one by that date.

The Scottish Government said 2,507 owners had lodged applications since the exemptions were made mandatory on April 1.

Those convicted of not complying with the new rules face a maximum of six months’ imprisonment and a £5,000 fine.

The Scottish Government introduced restrictions on XL Bully ownership after legislation was passed in England, prompted by concerns over dog attacks.

Applicants must microchip their dogs, commit to them being neutered, obtain third party insurance and pay a £92.40 fee.

Restrictions introduced in February also remain in place, meaning all XL Bully dogs should be kept muzzled and on a lead while in public.

XL Bully owners who opt not to keep their dogs can apply for £100 to cover the cost of having the animal euthanised, along with a further £100 to compensate them for the loss of their dog.

In May, a Freedom of Information request revealed that two XL bullies had been put down since the Scottish Government introduced strict new measures for owners.

Both dogs euthanised were male, the Scottish Government confirmed.