Current status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 13 September 2024
To ask the Scottish Government, since the new rules came into effect on 23 February 2024, how many XL bully-type dogs have been (a) found abandoned or handed in to animal welfare charities and (b) euthanised under the Scottish Government scheme.
Information on the number of suspected XL Bully dogs that have been abandoned or handed in to animal welfare charities is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.
XL Bully owners who have taken the decision to have their dog euthanised can claim up to £200 compensation from the Scottish Government.
To claim compensation, the owner of the XL Bully must have arranged to have their dog euthanised by 31 July 2024. The euthanisation itself can happen after this date, but arrangements must be in place by this date. The Scottish Government must receive any claim by 30 September 2024.
The Scottish Government has so far received 25 claims for compensation following arrangements being made for the euthanisation of an XL Bully dog.
Where an XL Bully dog owner has decided to have their dog euthanised without seeking compensation from the Scottish Government, the Scottish Government would not be advised by the owner. Therefore, the number of claims for compensation sent to the Scottish Government may not be a full picture of the number of XL Bully dogs euthanised.