An XL Bully campaigner’s plan to create a sanctuary in Angus has received support after the rescuer claimed she had faced a “hate campaign”.
Kerryanne Shaw from Glasgow is refurbishing kennels between Forfar and Dundee to take XL Bullies when the breed comes under strict new controls next week.
She still has to secure a licence for Happas Canine Centre.
And the owner of the premises who will lease them to 38-year-old Kerryanne is also awaiting a licence renewal after we revealed his boarding permit expired at the end of 2023.
The licence applications will not be considered by Angus councillors before March 28 at the earliest.
Kerryanne will live on site with XL Bullies legally kept only by her under an exemption licence.
Other non-banned bull-type breeds will be re-homed through the sanctuary.
She plans a public open day once it is up and running to let people see the set-up there.
Kerryanne hopes it will answer the critics after revealing how online trolling had affected her mental health.
And her determination to set the sanctuary up has won support since she spoke about the hate campaign.
It comes after the SSPCA issued an urgent plea to find new homes for four dogs.
From February 23 it will be an offence to breed, sell, exchange, gift, advertise, abandon or allow an XL Bully to stray.
And they must be muzzled and on a lead in public, including in a car.
‘Beautiful creatures’
But there was backing from readers of The Courier online for Kerryanne’s work to help the breed.
Writing on our website, Anna-Marie Campbell said: “I hope with all my heart that these beautiful and extraordinary creatures can find there forever fields to run and play and just do what they are meant to do and be which is LOVED!!!
“Also to point out to the haters of a breed more interesting than the twigs you have in your head. My mom has 4 XL males. Storm, Trooper, Laurel and Hardy. And they are living proof of LOVE AND AFFECTION.
Karen from London simply said: “Good luck.”
And Marilyn added: “Well done Kerryanne. Wish you all the best with this.
“It is certain humans who should be muzzled etc. not these poor dogs.”
Janet Sweeney commented: “WELL GOOD FOR YOU, I wish you NOTHING but success in this.
“Social media nasties are everywhere aren’t they…just willing to upset for the sake of it.
“There are many of us who believe you’re doing a GREAT thing and hope your mental health rises above the ones who are doing their best to destroy it.
“I stood for the XLs when all this started. With no disrespect to the ones who have been hurt, but not all of these dogs should be punished for the attacks of the few.
“One guy was shocked at my defence of this breed because I don’t own one, but I do have a belief regardless of owning or not.
“So I hope you are successful in all you’re trying to achieve, you have my best wishes.
Kateluke added: “Good luck to her and her team and the trolls can take a hike.”
Doubts over dogs – and location
But others remain uncertain about the project and XL Bullies, which have been blamed for a number of serious attacks.
Simmy said: “Curiously I was wondering if all these positive XL Bully supporters would, HONESTLY, now have children running around playing with these dogs and not be concerned?”
RMc added: “What they are meant to do is fight. Who would have guessed they would be dangerous.”
Others questioned Glasgow-based Kerryanne’s decision to relocate to Angus.
Paul said: “Keep them in Glasgow we don’t need you or them here.”
LittleSandybeans added: “Why does she need to move up to Tayside to do this, why not open someplace closer to her home?”
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