People leaving children alone with dogs classed as dangerous could face up to six months in prison under plans by the Scottish Government.
From November 1, it will be a crime to leave a child under the age of 12 unsupervised near a prohibited dog in either private or domestic places.
Offenders face up to six months in jail, up to a £5,000 fine, or both.
The change to the Dangerous Dogs Act would apply to all types of prohibited dogs.
The law was previously updated in 2024 to place restrictions on XL bullies.
Victims and community safety minister Kirsten Oswald said the new rules will protect children.
She said: “The safety of children is at the heart of our approach to the regulation of XL bully dogs and I am committed to ensuring Scotland’s safeguarding framework is robust and protects the most vulnerable.
“We have laid legislation today to strengthen the scheme by requiring that children under the age of 12 are not left unsupervised near a prohibited dog in a private or domestic setting.
“This new exemption condition is in line with the UK Government’s approach. It will apply to all types of prohibited dogs and come into force on November 1, 2026.“In developing this legislation, we have set the supervision age at 16, consistent with Scotland’s age of legal capacity and existing requirements for prohibited dog ownership.”
Ms Oswald said the Government recognises the “vast majority” of dog owners are responsible.
However, she added: “This additional safeguard has been introduced as a preventative measure designed to protect children from the danger posed by some dogs, and improve and strengthen responsible dog ownership.
“The Scottish Government continues to work with Police Scotland, local authorities, the Scottish SPCA and other relevant bodies to keep communities safe from the small minority of irresponsible dog owners and their dangerous dogs.”
In 2024, the Scottish Government introduced controls on XL bully dogs under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.
More than 3,400 owners in Scotland have received a certificate of exemption in the last two years.
Owners must comply with a number of conditions, including keeping their dogs on a lead and muzzled in public, microchipped and neutered, and being aged 16 or over.
Breaches can result in a fine of up to £5,000, a prison sentence of up to six months, or both.