Four XL bully dogs 'urgently' seeking new homes as Scottish SPCA condemn controversial ban

Homes are being “urgently” sought for four XL bully-type dogs before a ban on the breed is introduced in Scotland.

Following the Scottish Government’s U-turn on the controversial breed, it will now become an offence to breed, sell, exchange, gift, advertise, abandon or allow an XL bully to stray from February 23.

The dogs must also be muzzled and on a lead in public, including in a car.

Ahead of the ban, the Scottish SPCA Is seeking homes for two dogs confirmed to meet the characteristics of XL bullies, and two other dogs which might meet the physical conformation standard.

All the dogs are young and have been microchipped, neutered and given a clean bill of health, and the animal welfare charity has urged prospective owners with a secure garden to consider adopting them.

The Scottish SPCA branded the Dangerous Dogs Act “outdated” and said any dog could be “out of control and dangerous”, describing the four dogs seeking homes as thriving with training and affection.

Scotland

Scottish Government announces date XL bully ban will come into force

Ministers have outlined the Scottish Government’s two-stage approach to the new legal safeguards on XL bully dogs.

Two-year-old Paddington and Lex, aged one, as well as three-year-old Duchess and two-year-old Praline have undergone “enhanced behavioural assessments” by the charity.

The dogs are living in centres in Glasgow, Aberdeenshire and Lanarkshire.

Paddington, a bulldog from Glasgow, was described as a “cuddly bear”, while Praline was found tied up and is being rehomed in Lanarkshire.

Paddington is looking for his forever home Scottish SPCA

In Aberdeenshire, American bulldog Duchess was said to be “incredibly sweet”, and Lex, a crossbreed, could be someone’s “new best friend” and had the potential to live in a household with cats.

Jennie Macdonald, head of rehoming, fostering and community engagement, said: “It will become illegal for us to rehome these dogs if they have not found homes by February 23.

“Our four dogs at Aberdeenshire, Glasgow and Lanarkshire animal rescue and rehoming centres which meet, or might, meet the physical conformation standard of an XL bully type breed have undergone enhanced behavioural assessments with our behaviour team.

“The process of ensuring they are ready for rehoming has been ongoing for some months while the situation in Scotland has been unclear. They have been microchipped, neutered and given a clean bill of health.

“We welcome contact from prospective owners with a secure garden who can offer a forever home to these lovely dogs.”

Duchess is searching for her forever home Scottish SPCA

Claire Haynes, head of animal behaviour at the Scottish SPCA, said: “All our animals for rehoming go thorough comprehensive medical and behavioural assessments.

“This has been an ongoing process for some months with our XL bully type dogs while the situation in Scotland has been unknown.

“After an enhanced assessment, Duchess and Praline meet the physical conformation standards of an XL bully type breed. Paddington and Lex are still to be formally assessed, but could be typed as XL bully dogs.