Latest news with #AllBullieCharityRescue
STV News
01-08-2025
- STV News
Has ban on XL Bully dogs made Scots safer?
It's been one year since Scotland introduced restrictions on XL Bully dogs following a series of high-profile attacks that shocked the nation. But 12 months on, has the legislation improved public safety? Those on both sides of the ban don't think so, with owners of the breed saying it has caused chaos and confusion. Meanwhile, others believe the ban should be extended to other breeds. Rose was just five years old when she was mauled by a dog near her home. It wasn't an XL Bully but a smaller, similar breed. STV News Rose was left scarred by the attack. Gillian Dempster, Rose's mum, told STV News: 'There was a lot of blood. I was checking her head and her ear was detached from the back of her scalp. 'She also had lacerations under her eye that were quite bad. She had lacerations under her lip and to the front of her lip. 'She had lost two teeth and her body was full of scratches.' STV News Gillian Dempster. Rose needed surgery. Her physical wounds have healed, but the psychological trauma lingers as she's now fearful around dogs. Gillian believes the current ban on XL Bullies doesn't go far enough and should be extended to include other dangerous breeds. On the other side of the argument is Kerryanne Shaw, who rescued Bilbo just before the ban came into force in Scotland last year. She says the law has been poorly implemented, causing confusion for responsible owners and unfairly targeting the breed. 'It's targeting the wrong people and the wrong dogs,' said Shaw, who is chairwoman of All Bullie Charity Rescue. STV News Kerryanne Shaw. She added: 'They are seen as status symbols, so they are used for the wrong reasons. This is where we're seeing lots of attacks. 'Until we start to tackle that and the irresponsible breeders, who aren't breeding well-tempered dogs, healthy dogs, then we're not going to make any difference. 'We're still seeing owners coming to us and asking 'do you think my dog meets the criteria?'. People just don't have a full grasp of the legislation, so we're dealing with a lot of chaos and confusion.' XL Bullies are the first breed in more than 30 years to be added to the UK's banned list. Under the law, they can't be bred, sold, or rehomed, and must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public. Owners must also have their dogs microchipped, neutered, and insured to qualify for exemption. Enforcement falls to Police Scotland, but officers say they're under-trained, under-resourced, and stretched thin. STV News David Threadgold, chair of the SPF, said: 'Our officers are being asked to handle aggressive or distressed dogs without proper training or facilities. 'It's putting people at risk and it's not sustainable.' The latest data shows a sharp rise in dog attacks over the last two decades, with nearly four times as many hospital admissions now than in the late 90s. There has been a slight drop following the July ban. But some fear another breed – like the Cane Corso – will simply become the new so-called 'status' dog and question whether the legislation will have any meaningful long-term impact. Animal welfare groups, including the Scottish SPCA, agree the problem isn't breed, but behaviour. The Scottish Government says it's working with police local authorities and others to make sure these legal safeguards to support responsible ownership are effectively implemented. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Courier
15-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
Angus XL Bully centre launches plea for volunteers amid wait for appeal
An XL Bully charity has mounted a plea for volunteers to look after the dogs at its under-threat Angus sanctuary. All Bullie Charity Rescue continues to draw together its appeal against Angus Council's refusal to grant an animal welfare licence for kennels at Happas, near Forfar. In February councillors unanimously rejected the bid for what would be Scotland's first XL Bully hub. A Forfar Sheriff Court appeal hearing has been set for August. There are currently around 20 animals at the centre close to the A90 Dundee to Aberdeen dual carriageway. Only a small number are XL Bullies. Charity figurehead Kerryanne Shaw has now launched an appeal for helpers at the centre. It follows a recent 'blunt begging' plea for money to help fund vital operations for dogs there. In a post on the charity's Facebook page, Ms Shaw said: 'We need weekend and holiday volunteers as most of our volunteers have children and are unable to help during these times.' She said the role involves 'dog walking, dog training, dog cuddles and slobbery smooches.' 'You will receive training on dog body language, dog handling, training and general care,' Ms Shaw added. 'All new volunteers are supervised in their roles with each individual dog until they are fully confident in their handling.' The charity does not accept volunteers under 18. 'We are a friendly team of dog lovers,' added Ms Shaw. 'We have a variety of different friendly bull breed-type dogs ready to smother you in hair and slobber.' A lack of additional support was a key area highlighted in two damning inspection reports for Happas. A council welfare inspector raised concerns over Ms Shaw being in sole charge of all the dogs.
The Courier
28-04-2025
- General
- The Courier
No SSPCA visit to Angus XL Bully kennels since 2023
Angus kennels which could become Scotland's first XL Bully sanctuary have not been visited by the SSPCA since a charity campaigner took them over last year. The facility at Happas, near Forfar, is at the centre of a court appeal over Angus Council's refusal to grant All Bullie Charity Rescue an animal welfare licence. A hearing in the case has been set for August. The charity recently admitted it was 'desperately struggling' for funds. It said it needs thousands of pounds for vital surgery on two animals. There are more than 20 dogs at the kennels, including several XL bullies. Happas is currently unlicensed after the boarding permit held by the kennels' owner expired at the end of last year. It comes as the SSPCA announced it is axing an animal rescue and rehoming centre just a couple of miles away. Following confirmation of the four-month gap before the appeal is considered, The Courier asked Angus Council and the SSPCA if they had any welfare concerns around dogs currently housed at Happas. We also asked if there were plans to engage with All Bullie Charity Rescue while the appeal is ongoing. The SSPCA said: 'We haven't been asked or had any part in anything to do with these kennels since our previous involvement.' At the end of 2023, the charity was called in following concerns around conditions at Happas under kennels owner Jeremy Barron. It followed a number of complaints made to Angus Council. The investigation was completed and no action was taken. The probe was prior to All Bullie Charity Rescue moving to Angus to develop the XL Bully hub. The SSPCA added: 'The part-hearing and subsequent postponement until August of the appeal regarding the licence application as a welfare centre is a matter for Angus Council and the courts.' An Angus Council spokesperson said: 'Environmental consumer protection, along with partner agencies, will continue to monitor the premises and respond as appropriate to any circumstances required.' It did not confirm the frequency of any visits which would be carried out at Happas. The council added: 'Advice and guidance will always be available to anyone seeking such assistance in respect of all proposed licensable activities.' At the weekend, the SSPCA made the sudden announcement it is closing its nearby animal rescue centre. The Petterden facility is just a mile or so along the A90. The centre rescued and rehomed animals from Tayside and Fife. However, the charity said rising costs and the need to make 'significant savings' meant Petterden is no longer viable.
