Just one person has been convicted of illegally owning an XL Bully in Scotland since new laws a year ago despite a string of attacks.
The breeding, selling, abandonment and exchange of the dogs is now banned and owners had to apply for an exemption certificate to keep their dogs.
But we can reveal there has only been one successful criminal prosecution for owning a dog without the proper documentation despite a number of mauling incidents.
Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene said: “Questions must be asked as to how effective these laws are proving to be in reality.
“SNP ministers dragged their feet for too long in the first place in joining a UK-wide ban, yet dangerous XL bullies have still carried out many attacks in Scotland since they were deemed illegal.
“Ministers must ensure our cash-strapped justice system has the resources to properly punish those breaking the law and to keep communities safe from violent attacks.”
In May 2024 a woman suffered serious injuries after being attacked by her two XL Bullies in a flat in Edinburgh.
The 26-year-old was taken to hospital and the dogs were later put down.
Last March the animals were linked to attacks on two children in East Ayrshire.
And in the same month two XL bully-type dogs killed a Chihuahua and attacked its owner in Glasgow east end.
In December another man was mauled by an XL Bully type dog and scarred for life while putting his bins out.
Legislation introduced by the Scottish government also means owners must keep the dogs muzzled and on a lead in public places.
But statistics uncovered by the Sunday Mail reveal one person has been convicted of having a dog without a muzzle while there have been no charges for having a dog without a lead.
Many XL Bullies were moved north of the Border last year after the Scottish government did not initially follow restrictions imposed in England and Wales.
First Minister Humza Yousaf was then forced to perform a u-turn amid outrage over the loophole following a series of vicious attacks.
He belatedly announced his government would “replicate” the ban which began in Eng-land and Wales and Scots owners of XL Bullies will now be subject to similar safguards.
The legislation was brought in after the breed was linked to a string of serious and sometimes fatal attacks.
However dog trainer Deeps Jagdev has been working to change Bullies’ image after the new ban on muzzles and leads in public came into force. Deeps,41, started hosting treks for the breed in a bid to build owners’ confidence on “Hold Your Muzzle High” walks.
The mum of two, from Bothwell, Lanarkshire, runs weekly sessions at Lanarkshire’s Strathclyde Country Park alongside Saint, her five-year-old XL bully, and Staffordshire bull terrier cross.
Latest figures show that more than 3000 XL Bully dogs are still owned in Scotland.
Any XL Bullies found without the necessary paperwork could now be put down.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers will continue to respond to any report expressing concern about a potentially dangerous breed of dog and take the appropriate action to ensure public safety and minimise the risk to the public, as well as our officers and staff.”
The Crown and Prosecution Service have said they do not record how many XL Bully dogs have been ordered to be destroyed.
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