Why won’t the Scottish government ban XL bullies?

From 1 February 2024, it will become illegal to own an American bully XL in England and Wales if the dog isn’t registered with the UK government. Existing owners will be able to keep their XL bullies so long as they apply for an exemption — at a fee of £92.40 — this comes with conditions: owners must ensure the dogs are microchipped and kept both on a lead and muzzled at all times in public. It’s a serious move, made after a series of attacks that resulted in severe injuries and at least by our counts, at least 14 deaths. Westminster’s approach balances public safety with a humane treatment of the existing XL bully population. So why then has the Scottish government decided that it will not impose the ban?

The decision to outlaw XL bullies ‘will not be brought into force in Scotland on the current timescale,’ said SNP MP Steven Bonnar in parliament on Monday.