Current dog control law not fit for purpose, says MSPs

The committee has just completed its review of the 2010 Control of Dogs Act. MSPs heard evidence from victims and witnesses of dog attacks and concluded that there is still an unacceptable level of attacks in Scotland.

The committee heard that a lack of data was a significant barrier in evaluating the effectiveness of the 2010 act and that the failure of Scottish ministers to use the powers given to them under the 2010 act to establish a Scottish Dog Control Database was unacceptable and must be rectified immediately.

It was recognised that numerous factors have limited the effectiveness of the act including; a lack of awareness and a lack of resources at local authority level which has resulted in an insufficient number of dog control wardens being appointed to enforce the current law.

Speaking as the report was published, committee convener, Jenny Marra MSP, said: “Dog law in Scotland is not fit for purpose. There are still far too many dog attacks on children and little enforcement or understanding of the current laws that might prevent these attacks.

“It has become clear that current dog control law doesn’t work. It needs reformed urgently so that out of control and dangerous dogs can be dealt with properly and we can try to move to a system that prevents our children being injured by dogs.”