Moray mum 'disappointed' over Scotland's plan to ban Bully XLs
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A KEITH mum who has been at the forefront of efforts to bring XL Bullies to Scotland has expressed her disappointment following the Scottish Government's decision to also ban the controversial breed.
Taylor Stirling, a 21-year-old mother of two, has been on a mission to rescue XL Bulldogs to prevent them from being abandoned or euthanized. She has joined a network of volunteers in so far bringing 30 of the dogs to Scotland before the Scottish Government implements similar rules.
The ban in England and Wales, which came into place on January 1, followed a rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL Bully dogs. It means owners must neuter and microchip their dogs and apply for a certificate of exemption for their pets. The dogs must also remain on a muzzle and lead in public and can no longer be rehomed or sold, meaning all dogs without homes or exemptions after the ban will be destroyed.
Although there were no rules in Scotland, First Minister Humza Yousaf announced on Thursday that Holyrood will "replicate the legislation" currently in place in England Wales, in light of the "flow of dogs" from England into Scotland.
Following the news, Taylor said: "We were prepared for this to happen but it is still awful. It is a shame Scotland didn't take the time to find a better solution instead of taking the easy way out."
She added: "I totally agree with neutering but I think requiring dogs who have never shown aggression to be on a lead and muzzle 24/7 is ridiculous. It's like taking a kid to the park and telling them they can't run around and play."
Taylor welcomed her new XL bulldog Enzo on December 30. He came from Sheffield just before the ban came into place. She then joined a group of volunteers in bringing more than 30 of the dogs to Scotland, with dogs from as far as Wales moving to new homes in the north-east.
Taylor, who now has Enzo along with her two-year-old XL Bully Terra and 'opinionated' French bulldog Dave, said: "There were so many dogs who were going to be dumped, killed or neglected and yes the ban is coming into place now but they are in homes with people who are willing to follow the rules and make sure they have a good life."
Although Taylor and her team are planning to rehome fewer dogs from England and Wales, they are now focussing their efforts on Scotland, where similar issues are occurring due to be people privately rehoming XL bulldogs, or being unable to keep them due to the incoming ban.
Taylor said: "I said I would stop but we still get messages and I have to help them. We'll do as much as we can and there's still people out there willing to help."
Last week, Taylor has helped rescue six of the dogs, including a mum and three-week-old puppies, who were at risk of being dumped outside if they could not find a home. She is also working to find homes for several more, including one which was privately rehomed to a woman in Aberdeen who is struggling to cope with the dog.
Most of the dogs have stayed in the north-east, with four of the dogs finding permanent homes in Keith so Taylor is close by to check in with owners.
Reflecting on the ban, Taylor said while action is needed to prevent dog attacks, the focus should be on responsible ownership. She said: "My dogs are gentle, loving, family dogs. I'm not saying nothing should be done because I completely agree we need to put something in place that stops all these dog attacks. These attacks are horrible, but I don't think it's the breed.
"I don't deny there are some aggressive dogs out there but that is often a result of people raising them badly or sometimes due to genetics.
"I completely agree something has to be done but I don't think we're doing the right thing about it."
Ahead of the ban Taylor has been working tirelessly to find homes for the dogs - primarily with people who have large private outdoor spaces, in preparation for the new laws. However, Taylor's efforts have not come without challenges. She has received death threats and faced scrutiny, with someone reporting her to social services for having 'dangerous dogs' around her children. She said the hate she has received from people "highlights the need for further education" on XL bulldogs, emphasizing that XL is the size of dog, not a separate breed.
Taylor said she recognised concerns but said the volunteers she has been working with have always ensured the dogs they are rehoming are going to safe and suitable homes. She added: "They are amazing dogs when they're brought up right.
"I hope they will give us enough time to get everything in place."
Taylor also has a Go Fund Me page, with all donations going towards the cost of care and veterinary treatment for the XL bulldog mum and her puppies.
