All Bullie Charity Rescue (ABCR), the first sanctuary for XL Bully dogs in Scotland, has been granted an animal welfare licence after a two-year legal battle with Angus Council. The charity, based at the Happas Canine Centre near Forfar, was twice refused a licence before receiving approval to operate.
Licence secured after improvements
The licence, valid for 12 months, allows the centre to continue operating normally for the next year. The charity currently cares for 27 dogs, including four XL Bullies. A strict limit of 27 dogs has been placed on the premises, and inspectors will visit every three months.
Two years ago, XL Bullies were banned in Scotland, and existing owners had to apply for an exemption certificate. As a banned breed, they cannot be bred, sold, or re-homed, and must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
Manager reflects on difficult process
Kerryanne Shaw, the charity's manager, admitted the process was more demanding than expected. Speaking to STV News, she said: "We hadn’t anticipated how much work it would require. Thankfully we have managed to get to that standard and are making further improvements."
She added: "Things don’t just stop because we’ve got the licence. All the hard work, determination and care for the dogs has been recognised and we’ve finally managed our goal. It has been a difficult, long process, so we’re super chuffed that we’ve got it. It doesn’t really change anything other than we can operate legally from the kennels."
Council notes marked improvement
In a report ahead of the approval, Angus Council noted a "marked improvement" in areas previously condemned, including record-keeping, hygiene, and security at the kennels. ABCR will be able to continue caring for its current XL Bullies but cannot take on more.
Mark Wilding, a volunteer at the centre, said they are always looking for more help. He said: "I’ve always loved working with larger breed dogs. I wanted to help. Some of the situations that some of the animals come from is absolutely awful. I mean horrific. So to think that you’re helping any animal out of any of these situations, I think that’s what anybody does it for. It’s important for dogs to have this home. They get plenty of love."
