MSPS call for action on dog attacks

A HOLYROOD committee has expressed its frustration at a lack of action on dog attacks.

A letter, written by Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee convener Jenny Marra, said it was “unacceptable” that nothing would be done about dog attacks until the next parliamentary term.

According to NHS statistics, the number of incidents involving dogs in Scotland increased from 533 in 2008 to 6,992 in 2019.

Following the appearance of Public Safety Minister Ash Denham at the committee, members decided the convener should write to the minister “to express its frustration at the pace of the Scottish Government’s progress to address the extremely serious issue of out-of-control and dangerous dogs”.

Ms Marra added: “As you are aware, this issue was first debated in the Chamber on May 8, 2018, where there was cross-party consensus for the need for robust action to be taken by Parliament to protect the public from dogs that are out of control.

“Unfortunately, nearly three years on from that debate, a high level of dog attacks continue to be reported, and the probability exists that a significant number of further attacks remain unreported.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ”A range of action is under way to support operational agencies, including a Scottish Governmentestablished working group progressing key issues with Police Scotland and local authorities, and the publication of updated statutory guidance on the Control of Dogs Act.

“We have also launched an awareness campaign, in partnership with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), to promote responsible dog ownership.”