#2026/204Scotland removes new insurance requirement for exempt dangerous dogs from July 2026
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This order changes Scotland’s dangerous dog exemption rules so applicants and certificate holders do not need to take out or renew third-party insurance for an exempt dog on or after 1 July 2026. Owners who already bought insurance before that date must keep it in force until the existing cover expires. The change affects owners applying for or holding exemption certificates, as well as administrators handling those certificates.
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Key Changes
- Removes the need to obtain or renew third-party insurance for exempt dangerous dogs from 1 July 2026
- Requires existing insurance policies taken out before 1 July 2026 to remain in force until their cover expires
- Updates certificate wording and evidence requirements to reflect that insurance may no longer be required
Obligations
What this law requires
Applicants for or holders of a dangerous dog certificate of exemption in Scotland are not required to obtain or renew third-party insurance for the dog on or after 1 July 2026.
A holder of a dangerous dog certificate of exemption who obtained third-party insurance for the dog before 1 July 2026 must maintain that policy in force until the existing cover expires.
Certificate administrators must not require proof that a third-party insurance policy is in force where article 8 provides that insurance does not need to be obtained or renewed on or after 1 July 2026.