A Scottish former football manager is recovering in hospital after being attacked by a relative’s XL bully dog.
Dave Watson, 73, who managed the Highland League side Buckie Thistle, was attacked last week in Dyce, Aberdeen. It is understood that he requires an operation on his hands.
Watson’s wife, 70, was also taken to hospital after the attack, which happened one day before a ban on the breed was announced in Scotland.
A statement on the club’s social media said: “Everyone at Buckie Thistle Football Club sends their good wishes to former manager Dave Watson after he was attacked by an XL bully dog in Dyce.
“Dave is receiving treatment within Ward 214 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for his injuries. He is expected to be within hospital for at least ten days or so. Get well soon Dave.”
Another of his former clubs, Huntly FC, also sent their good wishes.
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The dog was said to belong to Jack Watson, 23, and was set to be voluntarily put down that weekend.
Watson told the Press & Journal: “He’s a reactive dog — he got attacked when he was younger. But he’s never been bad or anything.
“They’ve just came in and he’s not expected it and he’s just jumped out the cage and just started attacking … it’s a nightmare that I thought would never happen. I’ve got an appointment with the vet. I feel upset but it’s for the safety of my own family.”
The Scottish government announced last week it would place restrictions on the dog to mirror those in place in England and Wales, after an influx of dogs crossed the border after the law change.
The dates for new restrictions will be presented to Holyrood soon, ministers said. Owners in England and Wales were given two months to prepare for the first stage of the ban on the breed, with details announced on October 31.
XL bullies will be legally required to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public, and it will be illegal to breed, sell or abandon an XL bully.
Police Scotland said: “Around 3pm on Wednesday, 17 January, we received a report of a man being attacked by a dog in the Corrennie Circle area of Aberdeen.
“Emergency services attended and a 73-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
