AN animal charity has said they are acting as the "clean up crew" for XL bully dogs after a pup from England was found tied to a lamppost in Scotland.
The dog was found abandoned on the outskirts of Edinburgh ahead of a ban on the breed coming into force.
A local charity is now trying to find a home for two-year-old Kira, found at Musselborough Lagoons.
The original owner was tracked back to Huddersfield, Yorkshire, due to Kira's microchip and it was found that Kira had been rehomed someone in Berwick due to the ban south of the border.
READ MORE: XL bully dogs: Scots owners urged to prepare for new rules
From February 23, it will be illegal to sell, advertise, give as a gift or exchange such dogs, or let them stray, under the new laws expected to be approved by the Scottish Parliament later this week.
XL bully dog owners will also be required to ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead while in a public place, including in a car.
A second stage of safeguards due to come in later this year will mean that from August 1 it will be an offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate or without having applied for an exemption certificate.
Anyone convicted of breaching the new safeguards could face up to six months behind bars and/or a fine of up to £5000.
Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home CEO and spokesperson Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine said: “We’re living in fear of what happens after the date that the ban is brought in and desperately searching for a home because there is a ticking clock over her head and concern about those dogs who have been brought from England to Scotland.
“We are essentially acting as a clean-up crew in Scotland and preparing for how we deal with that.
“The ban is the worst thing that could have happened on top of the cost of living crisis we are facing and is masking over the real issue of dog control problems in our community amongst a variety of breeds.
“The cost of living is one thing but we are also dealing with lockdown dogs, our kennels are full of them and they are not socialised and terrified.”
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