Police warning over attacks on guide dogs

Pet owners could face prosecution in what is a ‘serious issue’

Dozens of guide dogs have been attacked since the beginning of 2016, it has been revealed.

The figures were brought to light as Police Scotland launched a campaign to warn owners they may face prosecution if their pet attacks a guide dog.

Since January 2016, 25 dogs from Guide Dogs Scotland were attacked by other canines, with almost a third of those requiring vet treatment, leading to owners losing vital lifeline support while they are rehabilitated.

The force wants to remind the public, and its officers, of the seriousness with which such an incident will be treated.

The campaign, which was officially launched at GDS’s Forfar Training School yesterday, features blind woman Elaine Mackenzie, who tells the story of when her guide dog, Una, was violently attacked.

Sylvia Christie, 67, from Aberdeen, had a similarly traumatic experience three years ago, when her assistance dog, Hazel, a black labrador retriever, was attacked.

Sylvia, who suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited disease rendering her almost completely blind, said the “traumatic” incident left her housebound for eight weeks.

She said: “Although Hazel wasn’t too badly damaged physically, she has been affected really badly psychologically ever since.

“She needed retraining so I had no means of going out alone for eight weeks.

“She hasn’t been the same ever since, she’s scared all the time.

“We should be able to walk down the road without the fear of dogs coming at us.

“There is no alternative to having a guide dog for people like me, so when something like this happens we lose our independence.”

Chief Superintendent John McKenzie, of Police Scotland Safer Communities, said close cooperation with GDS resulted in the launch of the campaign.

He said: “As I have said before, I believe the vast amount of dog owners are responsible individuals.

“However, we want to remind people that they are responsible for the behaviour of their dogs. Legislation makes that clear.”

Niall Foley, GDS engagement officer, said: “We want people to be aware of the consequences and to be conscious of the behaviour of their dog.

“Through our positive relationship with Police Scotland, we hope to educate the public on what is a serious issue.”

We should be able to walk down the road without the fear of dogs coming at us. SYLVIA CHRISTIE

Picture: Paul Smith. Chief Superintendent John McKenzie, of Police Scotland Safer Communities, and Elaine Mackenzie with her guide dog, Una, in Forfar at the launch of the campaign to warn dog owners they may face prosecution if their pet attacks an assistance dog.