An XL Bully dog has been seized after it attacked two individuals and another dog in a shocking incident that unfolded in the Esk Bridge area of Penicuik, Midlothian, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The attack occurred at around 11.30 am, prompting a swift response from armed police.
According to reports, two men aged 22 and 33 were walking their dog when they were set upon by the XL Bully, described as large enough to drag a fully grown man across the street. Eyewitnesses recounted the frightening scene, noting that the dog’s face was “red with blood.” One source illustrated the severity of the situation, stating, "The dog was a huge XL Bully, big enough to drag a fully grown man across the road. It was tan brown and white in color, its face was red with blood."
Following the incident, both men required medical treatment for their minor injuries, with the Scottish Ambulance Service arriving on the scene to assist. Their own dog, which was also injured in the ruckus, was transported to a veterinarian for emergency treatment. Police Scotland confirmed that they received a report of the out-of-control dog shortly after the attack.
Officers quickly traced the XL Bully to a nearby property, where it was seized and taken to kennels for safekeeping. A spokesperson from Police Scotland stated, “Around 11.30 am on Thursday, March 20, we received a report of a dog out of control in the Esk Bridge area of Penicuik. Two people and another dog were injured. The XL Bully was traced, seized, and subsequently taken to kennels.”
The authorities charged a 57-year-old man under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in connection with the attack. This incident is a serious reminder of the risks posed by certain dog breeds and the importance of responsible ownership.
Following the attack, police announced that a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal, the office responsible for prosecuting crime in Scotland. The XL Bully is a breed that has sparked concern in recent years due to incidents involving aggressive behavior. Stricter regulations have been introduced across the UK regarding their ownership and control.
As the debate over the safety of specific dog breeds continues, this incident has reignited discussions surrounding public safety and legislation. Following a spate of aggressive dog attacks, new licensing laws affecting XL Bullies were enforced in February 2024 in England and Wales, requiring owners to keep their dogs muzzled and on a lead in public places unless they have an exemption certificate. Following similar trends in legislation, the Scottish Government passed its guidelines subsequently to manage the potential influx of these animals.
With this latest attack, many local residents voiced their fears about the implications of such breeds coexisting in communities. The necessity for vigilance and proper training for aggressive breeds has become a focal point in the conversation surrounding pet ownership.
Incidents like this reinforce the urgency for communities and authorities to work together on legislation that focuses on preventing dog attacks and ensuring public safety. As the effects of such aggressive incidents are felt not only by the victims but also throughout the community, the need for public awareness surrounding dog ownership laws becomes increasingly apparent.
In light of recent events, owners of XL Bullies and other potentially dangerous dogs are being urged to familiarize themselves with the laws and take necessary precautions to avoid similar situations arising in the future. Public safety should always be the priority, ensuring that responsible dog ownership prevails.
This situation serves not only as a critical reminder about the responsibilities that come with owning a dog classified as dangerous but also about the collective duty to maintain a secure environment for all community members. While some may argue about the nature of the breed, it is undeniably the manner in which dogs are trained and managed that will ultimately decide not just the welfare of the dog but also the safety of the public.
