Date for new rules on XL bully dogs announced
There are two dates dog owners need to be aware of.
New XL bully dog rules will come into force in Scotland on the 23rd of February. The Scottish Government confirmed the date this afternoon and is encouraging dog owners to get themselves familiar with the new laws.
Phase one will require the dogs to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public.
It will also make it an offence to sell, abandon, give away or breed XL bully dogs in Scotland.
Dog owners have until the 31st July to apply for an exemption certificate - that's when phase two kicks in.
And from that date it will become an offence to own an XL bully unless yo have an exemption or have mad an application for one.
Community safety minister Siobhian Brown said: "The vast majority of dog owners are responsible animal lovers and we know owning a dog brings with it important responsibilities.
"I would encourage owners to make themselves aware of the new laws and get ready for them."