XL Bully sanctuary faces license refusal as 'dogs eat walls due to stress'

An XL Bully sanctuary faces having its license refused after a damning inspection report.

An inspector from Angus Council visited the Happas Canine Centre in Forfar on November 12, last year, after it applied for an Animal Welfare Establishment license.

Although the animals’ health was deemed to be “good”, the report noted that some of the dogs had “serious kennel guarding issues” and walls had been eaten due to stress.

Last year, Kerryanne Shaw raised £20,000 to open up a sanctuary for XL Bullies in Scotland following the UK Government’s decision to ban the breed, with the Scottish Government following suit.

Ms Shaw previously told STV News that plans had “fallen to the wayside due to the amount of harassment and vitriol”; however, she has since taken over the premises in Angus.

The volunteer manages 25 dogs on the site alone, while 12 other animals in foster homes.

One XL Bully had been kept at the property for more than 30 days, breaching the law in a case highlighted as a police matter.

The council inspector asked about another dog which was kept in isolation, however, the answer provided was deemed to highlight “further concerns regarding the lack of knowledge and understanding required to satisfactorily run the premises”.

Other issues raised include a lack of space if foster dogs were to return, out-of-date medication, a lack of toys or grooming tools, and significant gaps in record keeping.

The inspector concluded that Happas Canine Centre was not suitable for license and that it was unlikely that it would produce good records in the future.

“The applicant has attempted to manage the kennels, but repairs are still required throughout to meet the required standards, a number of hazards remain present and no vet is confirmed for charity for any daily issues,” the inspector said.

“Vaccinations have been carried out by another charity vet from England.

“The proposed number of dogs cannot be safely managed by the applicant alone in the absence of other staff or volunteers.”

The Happas Canine Centre has confirmed to STV News that it intends to challenge the report but would be making no further comment at this time.

XL Bully ban: What are the rules?

Since August 1 last year, it has been a criminal offence in Scotland to own an XL Bully without a certificate or to have applied for one by that date.

Those convicted of not complying with the new rules face a maximum of six months’ imprisonment and a £5,000 fine.

The Scottish Government introduced restrictions on XL Bully ownership after legislation was passed in England, prompted by concerns over dog attacks.

Applicants must microchip their dogs, commit to them being neutered, obtain third party insurance and pay a £92.40 fee.

All XL Bully dogs should be kept muzzled and on a lead while in public.

XL Bully owners who opted not to keep their dogs could apply for £100 to cover the cost of having the animal euthanised, along with a further £100 to compensate them for the loss of their dog.

In May 2024, a Freedom of Information request revealed that two XL bullies had been put down since the Scottish Government introduced strict new measures for owners.

Both dogs euthanised were male, the Scottish Government confirmed.