Animal campaigners have raised fears over the safety of XL bullys brought to Scotland after the First Minister announced a ban would also be introduced north of the border.
Earlier this week, XL bully puppies made their way into Scotland from their England.
They were driven to the border before being transferred to another vehicle and on to their final destination.
Transporting puppies and dogs in this manner has become more common since the UK government announced tighter restrictions on the breed.
From next month, owners will need to buy a license for XL bullies in England and Wales.
After travelling into Scotland, Doreen Stephen’s home was only supposed to be temporary for the pups and their mother.
But hours after they arrived, the First Minister confirmed the Scottish Government will replicate the system north of the border as well.
Doreen now fears she could struggle to find a permanent home for them.
“Panicking. That’s where it leaves me. Because I just think well what is going to happen with the poor dogs?,” she said.
“Am I going to have to take her and get her put to sleep?
“Nobody wants to put a healthy dog to sleep.”
It is not clear how many XL bully dogs have been transported north.
But reports of an increase in flow across the border have prompted the Scottish Government to act and prevent Scotland becoming a dumping ground.
Getty ImagesKerryanne Shaw, from All Bullie Charity Rescue, said: “We’ve now got five banned breeds on the list, are we just going to keep adding breeds or are we going to actually target the issue that is irresponsible breeding and irresponsible ownership?
“I feel like it will have no positive effect on the issue of dangerous dogs.”
Animal charities want ministers to review and strengthen existing laws.
Mike Flynn from the Scottish SPCA, said: “Currently a person that’s got a dog that is dangerously out of control if it kills somebody they can be jailed for 14 years, if it injures somebody five years. When was the last time anybody heard of somebody being jailed for being an irresponsible owner?
“The courts have to take it more seriously and that would give a very good deterrent effect to anyone else.”
More detail on the restrictions will be announced in Holyrood next week.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
