Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee 07 May 2025
PE2083 is on reviewing the rules to ensure that no dog becomes more dangerous as a result of breed-specific regulations. The petition, which was lodged by Katrina Gordon, calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review the Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (Scotland) Order 2024 and to ensure that breed-specific regulations do not restrict responsible dog owners from undertaking exercise and training routines that support the dog’s welfare and reduce the risk of their dog becoming dangerous.
When we previously considered the petition, which was at our meeting on 12 June 2024, we agreed to write to the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, following comments made during the stage 1 debate on the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill. The committee received a response from the Minister for Victims and Community Safety, who has portfolio responsibility for policy matters relating to dog control and dangerous dogs. The minister restated the Government’s position that the introduction of safeguards in relation to XL bully dogs in Scotland followed as a direct result of the UK Government decision to introduce controls on XL bully dogs in England and Wales. The minister went on to state that the Scottish Government recognises the importance of engaging with and hearing from XL bully dog owners on the impact of the safeguards and that officials have previously met the petitioner. Advice and support for XL bully dog owners have also been provided in response to correspondence that is received via the XL bully dog inquiries email mailbox—heavens!
In response to our question about the verification of XL bully dog characteristics, the minister states that Scotland is using the breed definition confirmation standard that was developed in England and Wales to ensure a consistent approach across the United Kingdom. However, it is noted that it is the responsibility of owners to check whether their dog is an XL bully and, if there is doubt, to follow the XL bully safeguarding rules as a precaution.
10:00We have also received two submissions from the petitioner, the first of which responds to the minister and highlights the impact of the regulations on the welfare and safety of dogs in private homes. The petitioner also draws attention to advice provided to the Scottish Government, in advance of the safeguards being introduced, to avoid breed-specific legislation and explore alternative ways forward.
The petitioner’s most recent submission comments on the report that was published following the summit on responsible dog ownership. Although the petitioner welcomes recommendations to provide more funding for dog wardens and Police Scotland, and to continue ministerial engagement with stakeholder groups on this matter, she remains concerned that little is being done to address the consequences of those breed-specific regulations, which in her view are resulting in otherwise healthy and well-behaved dogs becoming more dangerous, particularly in their own homes. The petitioner repeats the call for the regulations to be repealed and offers some potential actions aimed at supporting the welfare of dogs who are restricted by the rules.
We will now go to our Crufts expert, Mr Golden.