Charity for Dogs Forced to Euthanize Few Pets Following XL Bully Breed Ban

Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity, the Scottish SPCA, has recently faced a difficult decision regarding XL Bully dogs in their care. Following a crackdown by The Scottish Government on the breed due to a series of incidents, rehoming centres like the Scottish SPCA were banned from finding new homes for these dogs. This left them with limited options, ultimately resulting in the euthanasia of some XL Bully dogs.

The new rules implemented by the government prohibited rehoming, selling, or transferring ownership of XL Bullies. Rehoming centres were eligible to apply for £100 compensation per dog if they chose to euthanise them. The Scottish SPCA confirmed that they had euthanised a small number of XL Bully dogs in their care, although they did not disclose the exact number. They also stated that they had not claimed any compensation from The Scottish Government.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn of the Scottish SPCA expressed their support for legislation to protect the public but emphasized their opposition to Breed Specific Legislation. They believe that any breed of dog can potentially be dangerous in the wrong hands and that focusing on specific breeds is not the solution to preventing dog control issues. Despite their reservations, the charity stated that they would comply with the legislation.

In a desperate appeal earlier this year, the Scottish SPCA sought new homes for four XL Bully dogs in their care. Unfortunately, the appeal was only partially successful, and the ban on rehoming XL Bullies came into effect before all the dogs found homes. As a result, some of the dogs may have to be euthanised, as keeping them in a kennel environment for the rest of their lives would not provide an adequate quality of life.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, another rehoming charity, also confirmed that they had euthanised some XL Bully dogs in their care. They did not apply for compensation, highlighting the difficult decisions faced by these organizations in light of the new legislation.

Despite their compliance with the legislation, both charities expressed their belief that the ban on XL Bully dogs is not effective in addressing the real challenges of dog control and public safety. They emphasized the need to look at dog control as a broader issue that is not breed-specific.

The Scottish Government reported that as of August 1st, 3,342 exemption applications for XL Bully dogs had been approved. However, data on the number of owners who applied for compensation after choosing to euthanise their pets was not yet available.

In conclusion, the euthanasia of XL Bully dogs by Scotland’s leading animal welfare charities highlights the complex and challenging nature of dog control legislation. While the charities have complied with the new rules, they continue to advocate for a more comprehensive approach to dog control that focuses on responsible ownership and training, rather than breed-specific bans.