Scottish SPCA website issues 'not due to influx of pets' amid XL bully ban

The Scottish SPCA’s rehoming pages on its website have been down for a number of days due to “technical issues”.

The animal welfare charity’s website typically lists dogs, cats, rabbits and small animals available to be adopted, however the facility has been unavailable the last few days.

It comes as the charity desperately tried to find homes for four XL bully-type dogs ahead of the introduction of a ban on the breed, which came into force in Scotland on Friday.

However, the SSPCA said the issues with the website had nothing to do with any influx of pets needing rehomed.

Scotland

XL bully dog ban comes into force in Scotland – owners and trainers react

It is still be legal for current owners to keep their pets but XL bullies must be muzzled and on a lead when in public.

Two of the XL bully-type dogs were unable to find homes before the ban came into force.

The charity added it would “continue to care for the XL bully type dogs that are currently in our care”.

Under the new legislation, it is an offence to sell, advertise, gift, exchange or abandon the breed.

It is still be legal for current owners to keep their pets but XL bullies must be muzzled and on a lead when in public.

Scotland

XL bully dogs ‘urgently’ seeking new homes ahead of controversial ban

The Scottish SPCA have condemned plans to ban XL bully-type dogs in Scotland following similar legislation south of the border.

A Scottish SPCA spokesperson said: “From today it will be illegal for the Scottish SPCA to rehome any XL bullies in our care. Due to the current Judicial Review, we will continue to care for the XL bully type dogs that are currently in our care until we have more information on a timeline. We will continue to monitor the dogs’ welfare in the same way as we would for any kennelled dog.

“Our teams worked incredibly hard to find homes before the February 23 deadline for XL bully dogs in our care that were ready for rehoming.

“All the rehomed dogs had undergone veterinary and behavioural assessments and we also considered the unique circumstances of the adopter and their ability to provide for the animal’s welfare needs. So we ensure we match pets to the best possible home.

“We have sadly been unable to find suitable homes for two XL Bully dogs in our care. It is not appropriate to discuss the cases of individual dogs.”