Moray mum leads efforts to save XL Bulldogs amid controversial ban
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A MORAY mum is leading efforts to bring XL Bullies to Scotland following a ban on the breed in England and Wales.
Taylor Stirling, a 21-year-old mother of two from Keith, has undertaken a mission to help save XL bulldogs from being abandoned or euthanized. She has joined a network of volunteers in so far bringing 30 of the dogs to Scotland before the Scottish Government implements similar rules.
The ban in England and Wales, which came into place on January 1, followed a rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL Bully dogs. It means owners in England and Wales must neuter and microchip their dogs and apply for a certificate of exemption for their pets. The dogs must also remain on a muzzle and lead in public and can no longer be rehomed or sold, meaning all dogs without homes or exemptions after the ban will be destroyed.
There are currently no such rules in Scotland, although First Minister Humza Yousaf said yesterday (Thursday) that Holyrood will "replicate the legislation" currently in place in England Wales, in light of the "flow of dogs" from England into Scotland. He said more information would be provided in a ministerial statement next week, subject to the approval of the parliamentary bureau.
On Wednesday, Scotland's community safety minister, Siobhian Brown, said: "It would be preferable not to acquire any such dog at the present time in Scotland."
Taylor, originally from Lossiemouth, welcomed her new XL bulldog Enzo on December 30. He came from Sheffield just before the ban came into place. She then joined a group of volunteers in bringing more than 30 of the dogs to Scotland.
The mum of two, who now has Enzo along with her two-year-old XL Bully Terra and 'opinionated' French bulldog Dave, said: "We thought it was amazing that Scotland had not put anything in place and then we saw all the dogs down south being dumped or looking for new homes. I couldn't just sit and watch that happen and do nothing so we started looking at ways to help. We would do the same for Frenchies if they were going to be banned, or any breed really."
Taylor put a post on Facebook offering to help and found Enzo's previous owner, who wanted to rehome him because she was concerned that keeping him on a lead and muzzle would affect his quality of life. Since then, she has helped to transport more dogs from as far as Wales to their new homes in the north-east.
Within the last week, Taylor has helped rescue six of the dogs, including a mum and three-week-old puppies, who were at risk of being dumped outside if they could not find a home.
Reflecting on the ban, Taylor said while action is needed to prevent dog attacks, the focus should be on responsible ownership. She said: "My dogs are gentle, loving, family dogs. I'm not saying nothing should be done because I completely agree we need to put something in place that stops all these dog attacks. These attacks are horrible, but I don't think it's the breed.
"A lot of this has been caused by people using these dogs as protection dogs but after the ban they will just pick another scary-looking dog. I guarantee they will just ruin another amazing breed and we'll end up killing off these lovely breeds because of people. I completely agree something has to be done but I don't think we're doing the right thing about it."
Taylor suggested a sustainable dog licence system, requiring owners to pass tests demonstrating their ability to handle specific breeds and would prefer for dogs to be seized and rehomed from unlicensed owners rather than the ban of the breed.
Taylor has been working tirelessly to find homes for the dogs - primarily with people who have large private outdoor spaces, in preparation for Scotland also being affected. However, Taylor's efforts have not come without challenges. She has received death threats and faced scrutiny, with someone reporting her to social services for having 'dangerous dogs' around her children. She said the hate she has received from people "highlights the need for further education" on XL bulldogs, emphasizing that XL is the size of dog, not a separate breed.
Taylor said she recognised concerns but said the volunteers she has been working with have always ensured the dogs they are rehoming are going to safe and suitable homes. She added: "They are amazing dogs when they're brought up right. I hope we in Scotland are smart enough to put in another system so that not every dog suffers.
"I think Scotland are worried with the amount of dogs that have come up. There probably are lots of people privately rehoming, so we don't know how much information they have on that dog. We are making sure it is all safe, not everyone is, but there are so many hours and endless days of making sure these dogs and owners are safe and suitable."
