Ayrshire MSPs clash over XL Bully dogs arriving in Scotland

West Scotland Conservative MSP Jamie Greene said he had already heard cases of dogs being "trafficked from England, unsuccessfully sold online and then horrendously beaten and left for dead."

He accused the Scottish Government of "inaction" that could put people and animals at risk.

But Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, blamed the UK Government for rushing through the new ban in England with no notice.

She added: "The Scottish Government is concerned to hear reports of XL Bully dogs being moved to Scotland for rehoming.

"I have made it clear to the United Kingdom Government that there should be no impact on Scotland as a consequence of the policy.

"The UK Government's response said that if an XL Bully owner from England or Wales travelled to Scotland and sold or otherwise transferred or abandoned the dog to someone in Scotland, it is unlikely that that would be an offence.

"The unintended consequence of the UK Government’s policy is that we are now seeing an influx of XL Bully dogs to Scotland.

"It is important to ensure that Scotland does not become a safe haven or a dumping ground for XL bully dogs from England and Wales.

"Ministers are urgently reviewing the policy on XL Bully dogs. Public safety will be paramount in our deliberations, and Parliament will be updated imminently."

MSPs Siobhian Brown and Jamie Greene (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Greene replied: "The unintended consequences that we are seeing are a result not of the UK legislation, but of this Scottish Government failing to take action. Everything that we warned might happen is, sadly, now happening.

"Over the weekend, we saw the utterly horrific story of a dog that was trafficked from England to Scotland. There was an unsuccessful attempt to sell it online and the dog was then, horrendously, beaten to death and left on the street.

"I would not want to be the minister in charge of a policy who dithered and delayed on the issue for longer than was necessary, leading to another tragedy.

"Before it is too late, will the Scottish Government please announce a ban on these dogs before a single life - human or otherwise - is lost?"

Ms Brown answered: "No new breed type has been banned in the list for more than 30 years, and it is important to listen carefully to the views of dog control experts in order to inform our policy approach in the area.

"As I said in my first answer, the matter is under urgent review and the Parliament will be told about any policy change imminently."

Mr Greene said later: "Despite multiple reports of dangerous XL Bully dogs being brought to Scotland, the SNP continue to put lives at risk by their inaction.

"Every day the SNP fail to follow the UK Government risks further tragedy. It is time for the SNP to stop allowing Scotland to become a safe haven for XL Bully dogs."