MSPs are backing ban in Scotland

MSP Russell Findlay backs the ban and blasted the Scottish Government for delaying it s introduction north of the border.

The Scottish Conservative said:“A spate of horror attacks and overwhelming evidence about the inherent dangers posed by XL bullies prompted UK ministers to quickly pass new laws to protect the public.

“Yet HumzaYousaf’s SNP government spent months refusing to adopt similar measures to protect Scots, instead risking public safety just to diverge from the rest of the UK.

“They also defied warning that this would result in dogs being shipped to Scotland, and that’s exactly what happened.

“Having finally been shamed into doing the right thing, they need to get on with enacting these measures without delay before even more people get hurt.”

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:“Whilst the instances of dog attacks remain rare, where they do occur, they can have devastating consequences for those involved and entire communities which is why safeguards must be put in place.

“Unfortunately, the UK Government implemented their ban in England and Wales without any prior consultation and they have failed to act to prevent dog owners in England and Wales evade the new rules by bringing their dogs across the border into Scotland.

“Therefore, it is now right that the Scottish Government introduces these changes.”

Scottish Labour MSP Paul O’Kane said: “Bringing in a ban on unlicensed XL bully dogs is sensible. It’s a shame, however, that the Scottish Government only felt compelled to do so after growing media pressure.

“In the interest of public safety and animal welfare, local authorities and police officers should have the capability to hold dog owners to account for the behaviour of their dogs.”

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