PIRC recommendations to Police Scotland after firearms used to dispatch XL Bully dogs

PIRC accepted that Police Scotland followed strict guidelines and took action on both separate occasions to prevent serious injury to members of the public and police officers in attendance.

However, it recommended that police dog handlers should carry specialist equipment within their vehicles to avoid delays and that Police Scotland should have procedures for contacting a vet or other appropriate agency for the safer management of dangerous animals.

PIRC’s recommendations have been published following investigations into both incidents:

• Operation Midtown investigated the humane destruction of the first XL Bully dog on January 23, 2024 by authorised firearms officers (AFOs) of Police Scotland using police issue firearms after it had bitten a member of the public and attacked a second man; and
• Operation Tarcastle investigated the humane destruction of the second XL Bully Dog by AFOs on February 18, 2024, after it had bitten members of the public and was considered dangerous.

PIRC’s Director of Operations, Phil Chapman said: “Our core role is to uphold public confidence in policing in Scotland.

“Both of these incidents occurred at a time of heightened public interest and as new legislation was introduced here in Scotland and across the UK regarding XL Bully dogs.

“We carried out thorough and impartial investigations into both incidents, and ultimately found that the police use of firearms was lawful, proportionate and necessary to ensure the safety of the public and the officers who were in attendance.

“I am pleased to note that Police Scotland has taken decisive action on both of our recommendations to make improvements for responding to such high-risk incidents in future.”