Police were 'right to shoot dead' two out of control XL Bully dogs after Hamilton and East Kilbride attacks

Police Scotland’s watchdog said officers were right to shoot and kill two out of control XL Bully dogs who had attacked people.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) accepted that police followed strict guidelines and took action on both occasions to prevent serious injury to members of the public and officers in attendance.

Armed officers were called to the Tinto View area of Hamilton at 5pm on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 after an XL Bully attacked two men and attempted to attack a police officer.

The dog was shot four times by armed police after attempts to taser it were unsuccessful.

In a second incident, an XL Bully was killed after attacking a 14-year-old Border Collie in Mannering, East Kilbride on Sunday, February 18, 2024.

The elderly dog managed to escape the attack after a teenage boy prised open the XL Bully’s jaws.

Police said attempts were made to restrain the “dangerously out of control” dog before it was shot multiple times and killed.

Three people were injured during the incident and several members of the public bitten.

The watchdog recommended that police dog handlers should carry specialist equipment within their vehicles to avoid delays during such incidents.

The review also noted that Police Scotland should have procedures for contacting a vet or other appropriate agency for the safer management of dangerous animals.

However, it was found the discharge of firearms was “lawful, proportionate and a necessary response” to the threat posed by the dogs to ensure the safety of the public and police.

PIRC’s director of operations, Phil Chapman said: “Our core role is to uphold public confidence in policing in Scotland.

“Both of these incidents occurred at a time of heightened public interest and as new legislation was introduced here in Scotland and across the UK regarding XL Bully dogs.

“We carried out thorough and impartial investigations into both incidents, and ultimately found that the police use of firearms was lawful, proportionate and necessary to ensure the safety of the public and the officers who were in attendance.

“I am pleased to note that Police Scotland has taken decisive action on both of our recommendations to make improvements for responding to such high-risk incidents in future.”