, Minister for Victims and
Community Safety, said:
The safety of children is at the heart of our approach to the
regulation of XL Bully dogs, and I am committed to ensuring
Scotland's safeguarding framework is robust and protects the most
vulnerable.
We have laid legislation today to strengthen the scheme by
requiring that children under the age of 12 are not left
unsupervised near a prohibited dog in a private or domestic
setting. This new exemption condition is in line with the UK
Government's approach. It will apply to all types of prohibited
dogs and come into force on 1 November 2026.
In developing this legislation, we have set the supervision age
at 16, consistent with Scotland's age of legal capacity and
existing requirements for prohibited dog ownership.
The Scottish Government recognises that the vast majority of dog
owners are responsible, take care of their dogs and keep them
under proper control. However this additional safeguard has been
introduced as a preventative measure designed to protect children
from the danger posed by some dogs, and improve and strengthen
responsible dog ownership.
The Scottish Government continues to work with Police Scotland,
local authorities, the Scottish SPCA and other relevant bodies to
keep communities safe from the small minority of irresponsible
dog owners and their dangerous dogs.
Background
In 2024, the Scottish Government introduced controls on XL Bully
dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, with more than 3,400
owners in Scotland receiving a Certificate of Exemption.
Conditions include dogs being kept on a lead and muzzled in
public, microchipped and neutered, with owners required to be
aged 16 or over. Breaches can result in a fine of up to £5,000, a
prison sentence of up to six months, or both.
