XL Bully owners are being told how they can legally own a dog in Glasgow.

The dog caregivers can now apply for an exemption certificate so they can continue to have their dogs in the long term.

The scheme runs online or by post with a £92.40 fee from Monday, April 1 until Wednesday July, 31 this year.

After this deadline it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate.

Owners must also obtain third party insurance and neuter and microchip their dogs.

Postal applications must be made by Monday, July15 and online applications by midnight on Wednesday, July 31.

Full details of the process and requirements are available on the Scottish Government website.

In line with the initial safeguards introduced on 23 February, XL Bully dogs must continue to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public.

Owners who decide not to keep their dogs can apply for £100 to cover the cost of euthanasia/veterinary fees and £100 to compensate for the loss of the animal.

It is currently illegal to sell, advertise, gift or exchange XL Bully dogs, or let them stray in Scotland.

The rules are in place after concerns following a number of attacks involving the breed.

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “These new safeguards are being introduced to protect the public while giving XL Bully owners time to comply with the new rules. I would encourage XL Bully owners who wish to keep their dogs from 1 August to apply for an exemption certificate in good time.

“The Scottish Government continues to work with Police Scotland, local authorities, the SSPCA and others to ensure our communities are kept safe.”