Bully tactics
Group of XL owners are slammed for attempt to KO new law
A GROUP of XL bully owners plotting a legal bid to block the ban on the breed have been slammed.
Bully lovers are uniting to hire top lawyers who can help them challenge the legislation announced in January by First Minister Humza Yousaf – saying it is unclear, unfair and will criminalise innocent dog owners.
Stop the XL Bully Ban in Scotland, a group made up of more than 1600 supporters, wants a judicial review after the success of an English campaign group in securing a hearing challenging the UK Government’s ban next month.
Founded by Amy Peat, from Kirkcaldy, the group have demanded a meeting with victims and community safety minister Siobhian Brown as they scramble to raise cash for an advocate to apply for a court interdict. It told the Record it wants to see the legislation “annulled” and new laws targeting irresponsible dog owners and breeders introduced.
But Tory MSP Jamie Greene said the ban must proceed to save lives.
He said: “Victims of vicious attacks by these dogs will question if this is a wise move. As much as campaigners and dog lovers are well-meaning, there have been many serious attacks and sadly fatalities which demonstrate that public safety must come first.
“There is perhaps a wider conversation around poor dog ownership and breed management, but governments across the UK, albeit belatedly in Scotland, had to act to save lives.” From February 1, police
We are experts of our own dogs and this type of dog and are the people affected by ban AMY PEAT OF XL BULLY BAN IN SCOTLAND GROUP
have been able to seize XL Bullies in England and Wales, with owners facing a criminal record if they are not properly registered for exemption certificates. The Scottish Government, which initially said an extension of the ban was not necessary, was criticised after announcing its own restrictions in January – sparking fears over an influx of dangerous dogs being rehomed north of the Border due to the delay. Since last month, owners in Scotland ensure their dogs are muzzled and on a lead when in a public place. Selling, gifting or exchanging XL bully dogs has been prohibited.
It will not become an offence to own an XL bully without an exemption in Scotland until July 31. The campaign group, Don’t Ban Me – License Me, applied for an injunction to pause the English ban, which was not granted, but a judicial review hearing has now been approved for next month, which could halt or change the new rules if successful.
Scottish campaigners hope a judicial review in England could help pause the legislation in Scotland but supporters are still preparing their own legal challenge. Organiser Peat said: “We have two legal firms wishing to represent us. The judicial review itself would be into the £100,000 region.
“We are urgently appealing for all support we can get.”
A petition by Peat, calling for the ban to be scrapped, has amassed almost 2800 signatures.
But she says the group needs an advocate to submit the case to court.
Peat added: “Forcing through this legislation, not debating it and not allowing a vote regardless of the subject of that legislamust tion is a slippery slope.We have sent papers to the Scottish Government asking for a meeting with dog owners – the one group of people affected by this who were not part of the minister for justice’s informal consultation with experts.
“We are experts on our own dogs and of this type of dog, and are the people affected by it.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Scottish Government continues to work with Police Scotland, local authorities, animal welfare organisations and other relevant stakeholders to discuss implementation of the new regulations.”