At the time Ms Brown insisted that the present system of Scottish councils issuing canine management notices was a “proportionate approach” that targeted on “deed not breed”.
Just final week, Humza Yousaf, the First Minister, insisted that a ban was not needed as there was a “tight regime” of controls in Scotland in comparison with different components of the UK.
Responding to a query at Holyrood, Ms Brown confirmed it was “unlikely” to be a prison offence for an XL bully proprietor in England and Wales to journey to Scotland to rehome their canine.
She advised MSPs: “The unintended consequences of the UK Government’s policy is that we’re now seeing an influx of XL bully dogs coming to Scotland.
“It is important to ensure Scotland does not become a safe haven or a dumping ground for XL bully dogs from England and Wales.”
She added: “I can confirm that in light of recent events ministers are urgently reviewing policy on XL bully dogs and public safety will be paramount in our deliberations. A timetable for any policy change will be updated to Parliament imminently.”
Ms Brown warned that “it would be preferable not to acquire any such a dog at the present time in Scotland” given the implications of a attainable ban.
‘Dither and delay’
But Jamie Greene, a Scottish Tory MSP, mentioned: “Despite the evidence staring the SNP minister in the face, she continues to dither and delay on banning these dangerous dogs in Scotland.
“It is ridiculous for Siobhian Brown to deflect blame to the UK Government who have taken decisive action in the face of horrendous loss of life.
“Everything I and others have warned would happen if a ban wasn’t imposed in tandem in Scotland is now sadly occurring.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak moved to ban the breed beneath the Dangerous Dogs Act following a spate of attacks, some fatal, in England and Wales.
The UK Government introduced that from Dec 31, breeding, promoting, promoting, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL bully dog to stray was unlawful.
From Feb 1, it would additionally turn into unlawful to personal one of many dogs until its proprietor applies for his or her animal to be registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs, and agrees to abide by a strict set of rules, together with retaining them muzzled and on a lead in public.
