Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 7th June 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Scottish XL bully owners warned of exemption deadline
From 1 August, it will be illegal to own an XL bully in Scotland without exemption.
Owners have until midnight on 31 July to apply for an exemption certificate.

The Scottish government has reminded owners of XL bully type dogs of the upcoming deadline to apply for exemption from the XL bully ban.

From 1 August 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL bully type dog without an exemption certificate, or having applied for a certificate.

XL bully owners have until midnight on 31 July to make an online application for exemption. The deadline for postal applications is 15 July.

It costs £92.40 to apply for an exemption certificate. Owners must also get third party insurance, and neuter and microchip their dog.

If an owner decides not to keep their dog, they can apply for compensation.

All exempt XL bully dogs must continue to be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public, following legislation introduced on 23 February. If an XL bully owner is convicted of failing to follow the safeguards, they may receive up to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000.

The exemption application process first opened on 1 April and, since then, 768 dogs have been registered for exemption. This includes 761 registered online and seven postal applications.

Siobhian Brown, victims and community safety minister with the Scottish government, said: “We are now half-way through the time period available to apply for an exemption and I encourage owners who have not yet applied to do so now.

"The scheme is necessary to allow for XL bully owners to legally keep their dogs in the long term, while agreeing to adhere to the necessary safeguards that will help reduce any risks to public safety.”

The Scottish SPCA said: “We continue to believe that safeguards that the Scottish government has chosen to implement is not the solution to the issue when it comes to preventing dog control issues, but as a responsible charity, we will of course continue to comply with legislation that has and will be implemented.

“We welcome the Scottish government’s determination to work with the Scottish SPCA and other key stakeholders which includes the Dog Control Coalition of which the Scottish SPCA are members of to assess the impact of these restrictions being implemented.”

The government has provided this guide for owners to check if their dog is an XL bully.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.