'Trolls say our dogs should be killed': Inside Scotland's first XL bully sanctuary

Scotland’s first dedicated XL Bully sanctuary near Forfar has won its animal welfare licence after a two-year legal and administrative battle.

Angus councillors have twice refused to grant All Bullie Charity Rescue (ABCR) permission to operate the sanctuary.

Around 27 bully-type dogs, including four XL Bullies, have been housed at the Happas Canine Centre since 2024.

After a two-year battle, and having twice been refused a licence due to concerns over hygiene, security and record keeping, the sanctuary has now been given permission to operate.

Bilbo is an XL bully. He’s looked after at this center near Forfar.

There are 27 dogs at the Forfar sanctuary STV News

Manager Kerryanne Shaw said: “All the hard work, determination and care for the dogs has been recognised and we’ve finally managed our goal. It has been a difficult, long process, so we’re super chuffed that we’ve got it.

“It doesn’t really change anything other than we can operate legally from the kennels.”

XL bullies were banned in Scotland in 2024, making it illegal to own one without an exemption certificate. They can’t be bred, sold or rehomed, and they can’t be in public without a lead and muzzle.

Despite the licence grant, the kennels will not be permitted to take more XL bullies, though they can keep the ones they already have.

A report drafted ahead of the meeting outlined a “marked improvement” in areas condemned in previous inspections.

This included record-keeping, hygiene and security at the kennels.

Kerryanne said: “We’ve had a lot of trolling, people saying the dogs should be killed.

“Some of our dogs have issues due to bad owners, abuse or poor circumstances that have shaped their behaviour. But we love to look after them and they love us back.”

Kerryanne said she remains concerned about how banned breeds are identified and treated.

She pointed to an incident in Chelmsford, England, which saw a deaf American bulldog controversially euthanised after being allegedly mislabelled as a banned breed and being held for just one day.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” Kerryanne said. “It’s often down to perception whether the dog is a banned breed or not, so we’re seeing this happening.”

Councillors have approved the animal welfare licence for 12 months.

However, attached conditions state that the number of dogs will be capped at 27, and that inspectors will also visit the facility every three months.

“We hadn’t anticipated how much work it would require,” she admitted. “Thankfully we have managed to get to that standard and are making further improvements. Things don’t just stop because we’ve got the licence.”

Volunteers like Mark Wilding are a key part of their care, and Kerryanne is appealing for more people to help out.

Mark said: “I’ve always loved working with larger breed dogs. I wanted to help.

“Some of the situations that some of the animals come from is absolutely awful. I mean horrific.

“So to think that you’re helping any animal out of any of these situations, I think that’s what anybody does it for.

“It’s important for dogs to have this home. They get plenty of love.”