Kerryanne Shaw admits she “hadn’t anticipated how much work it would require” after a two-year fight to have the centre properly licenced.
Owners of a sanctuary for XL Bully dogs have welcomed being granted an animal welfare licence after a two-year legal fight. All Bullie Charity Rescue (ABCR) was twice denied a licence by Angus Council but has now been granted permission to operate.
Based at the Happas Canine Centre near Forfar, the charity is currently looking after 27 dogs in total including four XL Bullies. The licence, which has been approved for 12 months, means the centre will be able to operate as normal for the next year.
Two years ago, XL bullies were banned in Scotland and existing owners had to apply for an exemption certificate. As a result of being a banned breed, hey can’t be bred, sold or re-homed and they must be kept on a lead and muzzled when out in public.
STV News reports a number of changes have been made since the charity first applied for a licence to meet animal welfare standards. Manager Kerryanne Shaw admitted it was more work than initially thought.
She told the news outlet: “We hadn’t anticipated how much work it would require. Thankfully we have managed to get to that standard and are making further improvements.
“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.”
In a report ahead of the approval, Angus Council noted a “marked improvement” in areas condemned in previous inspections including record-keeping, hygiene and security at the kennels. ABCR will be able to continue to care for the XL Bullies they already have but will not be able to take on more.
A strict limit of 27 dogs total has also been placed on the premises. Inspectors will also visit every three months.
Mark Wilding is a volunteer at the centre and said they are always on the lookout 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.”
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