Unlicensed XL bully dogs will be banned in Scotland, the Scottish government has announced.

Humza Yousaf initially confirmed the move during First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, saying the decision would “in essence, replicate” UK legislation after the country saw an influx of dogs being rehomed north of the border.

Holyrood later confirmed the legislation would mirror the UK government’s – with the tight safeguards making it a criminal offence to own the breed without an exemption certificate.

The move follows new regulations that have come into force in England and Wales after a spate of attacks in which people have died or been injured by the breed.

Mr Yousaf said: “We recognise that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible animal lovers.

“However, now that we know the full implications for Scotland of the UK government’s measures, we are urgently bringing forward new safeguards on XL bully dogs.

“It is essential Scotland is not adversely impacted because of any loopholes created as a consequence of the introduction of the UK government’s policy in England and Wales.

“Recent reports of XL bully dogs being moved to Scotland from south of the border are concerning and it’s important we do not become a dumping ground for the breed, leading to unacceptable risks to public safety and animal welfare.

“We will be working at pace to bring forward necessary regulations to mirror the system introduced in England and Wales as soon as possible.

“We will continue to engage with key stakeholders going forward and to offer practical support to help owners comply with these new safeguards.”

Community safety minister Siobhian Brown had earlier warned Scots not to buy XL bully dogs “at the present time”.

The MSP issued the advice after claiming the UK government’s policy had led to an “influx of XL bully dogs coming to Scotland”.

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What are the rules?

XL bullies were added to the Dangerous Dogs Act on 31 October 2023, giving owners in England and Wales two months to prepare for the restrictions.

The dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled when out in public.

Selling, breeding, abandoning or giving them away is also now illegal.

Those in England and Wales have until 31 January to apply for an exemption certificate to keep their dog – and must have it neutered, microchipped and insured.

Owners who fail to obtain an exemption by then will have to euthanise their dog or face a possible criminal record and fine.

‘You should be standing by your dog’

XL bully owner Lauren Ballantyne, from Fife, said responsible owners shouldn’t have an issue complying with the replicated regulations.

The mum-of-two, who has a 21-week-old pup called Soprano, told Sky News: “If you had the money to buy the dog in the first place, you should be sticking by your dog.

“And if it takes for you to have to neuter it, muzzle it and microchip it, if you are a responsible owner that’s what you should be doing.

“You should be standing by your dog, not giving it away or rehoming it. It’s as simple as that.”

Ms Ballantyne, who is attempting to get over a fear of dogs, said Soprano will begin muzzle training this weekend.

She added: “I don’t think a ban is the answer. It’s down to the dog owners.”

‘Any breed can be potentially dangerous in the wrong hands’

The Scottish SPCA earlier told Sky News it had not seen an increase in the number of XL bully dogs being brought to its centres since the restrictions across the border started.

The animal welfare charity said it will comply with the Scottish government’s decision but remains opposed to a ban on dog breeds.

Instead, the Scottish SPCA believes the answer lies in targeting irresponsible ownership and low-welfare breeding practices as “any breed of dog can be potentially out of control and dangerous in the wrong hands”.

A spokesperson for the charity added: “We urge the Scottish government to ensure that any legislation is introduced with a sufficient transition period, to ensure that owners have the time and support needed to be able to exempt their dogs.

“We also call on the Scottish government to ensure that the teams responsible for enforcing this law have the resources and training they need before the ban begins, to ensure that no more dogs than absolutely necessary become caught up in this.”