Scottish National Party (SNP) Scottish MPs have failed to scrap Scotland’s phase two XL bullying safeguards.

Christine Grahame has been an outspoken critic of the legislation and lodged a motion with the Holyrood Criminal Justice Committee recommending that the next stage of the legislation be scrapped.

At Wednesday’s meeting, the Scottish Parliament said she had “serious concerns” about the quality of the “poor legislation”.

Ms Graham said this would “demonize owners” and cause “many dogs suffering”.

She highlighted that more than 55,000 dogs were registered with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in the south under UK government legislation covering England and Wales.

Ms Graham said: “It gives you an idea of ​​the scale of the problem.

“Now, I admit, these numbers are staggering, and due to some horrific attacks, these numbers are no less [than] More than 55,000 dogs will be neutered, muzzled and some will be executed.

“To date, 300 dogs have been executed. These dogs have not been subject to any criminal proceedings. These executed dogs are all healthy dogs that have caused considerable suffering to their owners.”

Ms Grahame noted there were issues surrounding the definition of an XL bully and concerns were raised about the ability of veterinarians to effectively manage safeguarding.

She said that under DEFRA regulations, male XL bullies must be 20 inches tall and females 19 inches.

“So a 16- or 17-inch XL Bully doesn’t need to have a muzzle and a lead. I mean, that’s nonsense. It’s complete nonsense,” Ms. Graham said.

MSP says there are more than 5,000 XL Bully dogs in the area. Scotland.

“When you’re dealing with a breed or a breed type, that’s the issue, not the owner controlling the dog’s behavior,” she said.

Ms. Graham’s motion was not granted.

The Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale ward councilor said she expected the scheme to fail but continued: “I hope councilors will be held accountable for their votes.”

The Criminal Justice Committee is gathering evidence in relation to the Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Scheme) (Scotland) Order 2024.

The Scottish Government’s first phase of safeguarding measures for XL Bully dogs came into effect on February 23, but Ms Graham has also failed to repeal the measure.

Holyrood is copy regulations Introduced by Westminster to make it a criminal offense to own an unlicensed XL bully dog ​​without an exemption certificate.

This breed must be leashed and muzzled when out in public. It is also now illegal to sell, breed, abandon or give away these dogs.

Phase two, which comes into effect in August, will make it a criminal offense to own an unlicensed XL bully without an exemption certificate, including microchipping and neutering the pet.

Owners who no longer wish to keep their pets will receive compensation, including reimbursement for euthanasia.

Those found guilty of breaching the rules could face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said owners of XL Bullies will seek exemptions for their pets between April 1 and July 31.

Full details of the exemption application process will be posted online at that time, she said.

The rule is Implemented in England and Wales after a series of attacks that resulted in casualties.

The Scottish Government said the rules were being implemented north of the border after the UK Government’s control measures were said to “create an unacceptable risk”. Dogs transferred from England and Wales to Scotland“.

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Russell Findlay, Conservative MP for West of Scotland, questioned Ms Brown over the Scottish Government’s stance on “behavior not reproduction”.

He said: “[Ms Brown] Said she believed in behavior rather than reproduction. However, this legislation is breed specific.

“I think it confuses people as to how you can hold two opposing views at the same time, which is where you stand.”

Ms Brown responded: “My position, as is the position of the Scottish Government, is that behavior is important, not breed.

“Mr Findlay is clear that we are in this position because the legislation was announced in September last year without notification to the Scottish Government.”

Mr Findlay, who supported the legislation, responded that if XL bullies were “not a problem per se”, then “what would it be if they came to Scotland”.

Ms Brown stressed she did believe in the legislation but moving forward Holyrood would “remain committed to action rather than reproduction”.

Mr Findlay replied: “Well, that’s a bit incoherent, but thank you for trying.”