The location of a proposed sanctuary for XL Bully dogs near Dundee has been revealed – but the campaigner behind it is reportedly having second thoughts.
Kerryanne Shaw previously told The Courier that she was in discussions with council licensing officers to establish a rescue centre in the Dundee area.
It came after restrictions on the breed came into force in England and Wales on December 31.
The 38-year-old refused to reveal the sanctuary’s location at the time, claiming she had faced “hatred and campaigning from trolls” over her proposals
Now it has been confirmed that she plans to move the dogs into Happas Canine Centre on Happas Road, near Inverarity in the Angus countryside.
However, she is reportedly reconsidering the idea due to public criticism of the plan.
The idea may face further challenges with the first minister announcing on Thursday that Scotland is set to announce similar restrictions on the dogs.
XL Bully sanctuary has ‘fallen by the wayside’
Kerryanne has raised £20,000 to open up an XL Bully sanctuary.
But speaking before Thursday’s Scottish Government announcement, she told STV that those plans have “fallen to the wayside due to the amount of harassment and vitriol” she has received.
She added: “We are still working towards it but we are not feeling positive regarding setting up the rescue centre due to the amount of trolling.
“If we don’t open the centre our goal will be to help the disadvantaged families that want to keep their dogs but can’t afford the exemption process or the neutering of those dogs.”
Scotland is set to follow England’s lead on XL Bullies, where breeding, selling and advertising XL Bullies is now illegal.
Existing owners in England can apply for an exemption but must have insurance and ensure the dog is microchipped and neutered.
The dogs must also be muzzled and kept on a lead in public.
Happas Kennels owner would be landlord
Happas Kennels is currently being investigated by Angus Council after concerns about the living conditions of dogs were raised on social media.
Officials from the council and the Scottish SPCA have inspected the premises between Forfar and Tealing in recent weeks – though the latter has concluded its probe into the site.
Jeremy Barron, who owns the business, insists dogs are being treated well on the premises.
He also confirmed that he will have no involvement if Kerryanne’s XL Bully rescue centre plan comes to fruition.
He told The Courier on Thursday: “Kerryanne is interested in the property to rent if she can get the licences.
“I have nothing to do with it. It is just a simple landlord-tenant situation.”
Kerryanne previously told The Courier that the proposed rescue centre would “become a sanctuary” if the Scottish Government opted to ban XL Bullies.
“We are in the process of speaking to the council about licencing so we are not looking to move in any dogs at the moment,” she added.
An Angus Council spokesman said: “We do not comment on contact made with us by individual members of the public.
“Should anyone approach us with regards to a rehoming licence, they would be directed to the relevant guidance that is available on our website.”
The Courier has contacted Kerryanne for an update on her proposals.
Read more about the Bully ban law:
- Does Rishi Sunak’s XL Bully ban apply in Scotland?
- XL Bully sanctuary near Dundee planned by dog campaigner
- Readers react to plans for XL Bully sanctuary in Dundee
- SNP accused of ‘political games’ over XL Bully ban as owners seek sanctuary in Dundee
- Safety fears over XL Bullies rehomed in Dundee from England and Wales
- REBECCA BAIRD: I’m glad to live in a country that hasn’t introduced shameful XL Bully ban
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