"Doggy asbos" proposed for dangerous dogs
16 Jan 08
Alex Neil MSP wants to tighten up existing legislation
A Central Scotland MSP has launched a bill to improve the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Alex Neil's Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill would offer a range of control orders with practical measures to stop dogs getting out of control. The bill puts the onus on owners to ensure this does not happen.
Courts would be able to issue orders for dogs to be muzzled, rehomed or force owners to take their pets to retraining classes. The new laws, dubbed the "doogy asbos" would also cover dogs when they are on private property and if they attack other animals.
The Dangerous Dogs Act only focuses on specific breeds, and the number of dog attacks reported to the police in Scotland has risen from 239 in 2002 to 623 in 2007. The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supports the bill. Its chief inspector Mike Flynn said most serious dog-related injuries could be traced back to irresponsible or neglectful owners.
A consultation on the bill is open at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/MembersBills/index.htm and runs until 14 April.