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XL Bully Advice Update – Scotland:

The rules have changed if you own an XL Bully dog in Scotland.  

From 23rd February 2024 - It is an offence to: 

• have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle 

• breed or breed from an XL Bully dog 

• sell an XL Bully dog 

• abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray 

• give away an XL Bully dog 

The Scottish Parliament has said:

The definition used for an XL Bully dog is the same as the UK Government.  

If you are not sure if a dog in your care is an XL Bully, use the guide to check if a dog is an XL Bully.  

If you are still unsure about your dog after doing this, you should follow the rules in the guide as a precaution.

If you break the law or don't follow these rules the penalties are:  

• up to 6 months imprisonment  

• and/or a fine up to £5,000 

Exemption certificates from 31 July 2024:

From 31 July 2024 you must have an exemption certificate - or have applied for one - to own an XL Bully dog.  

Full details about the exemption certificate scheme including the start date, costs and how to apply will be announced soon. 

Statutory Instrument (SI) 31/2024 - XL Bully Ban:

The Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) Scotland Order

Article 2 of this Order designates the type of dog known as the XL Bully for the purposes of section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (“the 1991 Act”).

Section 1(3) of the 1991 Act enables a day to be appointed after which it will be unlawful to possess a dog which has been designated for the purposes of section 1, unless an exemption applies. The day appointed under section 1(3) was specified in article 2 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (Commencement and Appointed Day) Order 1991 as 30 November 1991. Article 3 of this Order provides that references to this date are to be read as references to 31 July 2024 in respect of dogs of the type designated by this Order.

DDA Watch Ltd is a not-for-profit company, registered in England & Wales, registration number 7393352.

Care has been taken to ensure that our information is correct. The information and advice given by DDA Watch is for general purposes and is intended for guidance only, it does not constitute legal advice. The information and opinions expressed should not be relied on or used as a substitute for legal advice, if you require details concerning your rights, legal advice or find yourself affected by legislation it is recommended that you seek professional legal advice. 

Information given is for England and Wales only unless stated otherwise. Legislation in Scotland and N.Ireland may differ.