Shocking rise in dogs ‘out of control’

sOARinG numbers of dogs in scotland have been deemed ‘out of control’, figures reveal.

Hundreds of pet owners were handed Dog Control notices last year, sparking fears that children, adults and other animals are being put at risk.

The notices were introduced in 2011 and are issued if a dog is found to have been ‘out of control’ and causing alarm to others.

There has been a near 300 per cent rise in the number of orders since, with 339 pet owners handed a notice in 2017-18. This is compared to the 92 handed out in 2011-12.

Owners are ordered to control their dogs by keeping them on a lead, microchipping and muzzling them. if they do not comply, they risk a fine of up to £1,000.

Conservative MsP Maurice Golden said: ‘All dog owners must ensure that their dogs are trained, socialised and supervised so that they are not a risk to humans or animals. The steep rise in control notices suggests that this is a worsening problem and this poses a greater risk to the public and other animals.

‘ultimately dog owners must take responsibility for their own dogs.’

The figures come months after it was announced MsPs had launched a review of the Control of Dogs (scotland) Act 2010, in a bid to tighten any loopholes.

Concerns had been raised after it emerged the number of people receiving treatment for bites has risen from 1,939 in 2015 to 2,027 in 2016.