Council backs curbs to tackle dog attacks
Tighter controls and bigger fines are being touted by Holyrood as one way of curbing dog attacks on farm animals.
The Scottish Government is looking at new legislation last updated in the early 1950s.
And while such attacks have been rare in West Lothian - only 14 in the last 10 years - there are occasionally reports.
West Lothian Council has backed proposals but with reservations about suggestions that there could be costs and time implications on already overstretched council staff.
At present, dog owners can be reported to the police if their pet worries sheep or other farm animals.
Farmers retain the right to shoot dogs worrying livestock.
In a report to the council’s executive, environmental health officers said: “The main purpose [of the new legislation] is to ensure that effective deterrents are put in place.
“This includes increased fines, and controls on dog owners.
“It also seeks to put in place new powers to ensure that cases can be pursued and investigated more effectively.”
In its response to the Scottish Government consultation the council says new laws would be “reasonable”, including heavier deterrents such as £5000 fines or six months in prison for dog owners convicted.
However, it sounds a note of caution suggesting some areas proposed are already dealt with by the Dangerous Dogs Act. Extending the responsibility of control of dogs local authorities would also add to overburdened councils and potentially confuse the public on who is responsible for the control of dangerous dogs.
In its response the council said: “It would be reasonable to agree that the Bill could bring some benefit in terms of increasing penalties for offences and for bringing up to date the nature of livestock which requires to be considered in terms of the legislation.
“However, extending the range of inspectors beyond that of the police is only going to create an additional burden on these bodies.”