The ban on XL bullies could lead to more dog attacks, a senior vet has told the BBC. Dave Martin, a welfare advisor to 900 practices in the UK, said attacks in the home could increase if the ban leads to more XLs being kept indoors without stimulation and exercise.

The RSPCA has called for clarification over the American bully XL definition, saying owners do not know if their dogs will be classed as the banned breed. The definition says if a dog meets a minimum height and has a "substantial number" of defined characteristics, it can be considered a bully XL.

American XL bully dogs are being rehomed in Scotland ahead of a ban on breeding and selling the animals in England and Wales.

Scotland could become the new XL Bully capital due to breeders dumping the unwanted dogs north of the border before the new ban is implemented.

SNP ministers have been urged to introduce a "robust" ban on XL bullies amid fears the dogs are being sent to Scotland to avoid a crackdown in England. The Scottish Government has so far refused to commit to banning the crossbreed despite a rise in reported attacks across the UK.