29 February 2024 , 22:29
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A mum who claims she was evicted from housing for owning a "sweet and cuddly" XL Bully says attitudes need to change.
Tammy Newman, mother of three, re-homed Cali (nine months old) after her previous owner said she may have to be put down. She says the pup has completely changed her family's lives, improving her mental health and bonding intensely with her kids.
She was living in a women's shelter that allowed pets at the time but as discussions surrounding XL Bullies continued, the shelter was forced to rethink whether it would house the breed or not. Tammy was forced to move out and find a new home. She now says her three children aged two, 14 and 16 are "so close" with the dog already.
Tammy told Edinburgh Live: "I got Cali back in January, the guy who had her initially was going to have her put down and I just had to take her. I was staying at a women's shelter that allows dogs but when all the XL Bully stuff started happening I think that changed things for them. The council have helped me find a new home in Midlothian, with a garden and everything for Cali so I suppose it worked out for the best."
Tammy and her family moved back up to the Lothians from Oxford 10 months ago, with Cali having improved their mental health since they took the pup in. She added: "She's super sweet, so cuddly. You get kisses and cuddles all the time. She's just the most lovely dog."
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Tammy rehomed Cali back in January (Tammy Newman)While things have been positive since Cali came into their lives, Tammy says she's had some issues with members of the public. She told us: "The other day I stepped out of the house and this man said 'Oh that's a scary dog you've got.' It's just so rude, you wouldn't say that about a kid.
"She had her muzzle on and a lead. I told him how lovely she was and he replied 'Yeah, until she bites someone'. You get other people who come and say hi, while others will stop and stare. Some people slow down their cars to look and everything, it needs to change. You feel so on edge."
As of February 23, the Scottish Government's safeguarding measures concerning XL Bully dog ownership in Scotland came into effect. It means that anyone who owns an XL bully-type dog must ensure that the dog is kept on a lead and is muzzled at all times when in a public place. It is also illegal to rehome, sell, buy, or transfer ownership of one to another person. It is also illegal to abandon an XL Bully dog or allow it to stray.
Tammy continued: "It's terrifying. I can't imagine losing her now, and she's only been in our lives a few months. I totally understand why people feel unable to cope with the stress of owning an XL Bully. We have her muzzled all the time when she's outside, even if it's in the car, because those are the rules." Punishment for breaking the law is up to six months imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to £5,000.