Figures show the AB16 area in northwest Aberdeen, which includes Northfield and Sheddocksley, has 74 exemption certificates issued. It is now illegal to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate.
This is the largest concentration in Scotland, followed by North Lanarkshire and Wishaw with 65 exemptions.
XL Bully ownership rules
The ban, effective from August 2023, requires XL Bully owners to secure exemption certificates and adhere to strict conditions.
These include mandatory microchipping, muzzling, and third-party insurance. Owners must also neuter their dogs by January 2025.
While the overall number of XL Bully dogs in Scotland has declined from around 5,000 to 3,400, ownership appears concentrated in certain areas such as Aberdeen, Dundee, and North Lanarkshire.
Criticism over ban
Critics, including Conservative MSP Jamie Greene, argue the Scottish Government’s handling of the ban has created ongoing risks.
However, animal welfare charities like the SSPCA continue to oppose breed-specific bans, calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws to tackle irresponsible ownership.
A Scottish Government spokesperson reaffirmed that safeguards, including restrictions on ownership and breeding, remain in place to protect public safety.
