Bosses at the world-famous Carnoustie Golf Links have been held liable after a former Dundee FC goalkeeper’s dog was injured.
Ally Donaldson (69) had taken Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee to the small claims court at Arbroath over a £141.90 vet bill after his dog’s paw pad was sliced on a rusty metal rail during a regular walk.
The rail had been exposed following irrigation works on the Buddon course and was lying in long grass at the time of the accident on September 5.
Mr Donaldson was a former director of the golf links and was walking his German short-haired pointer on a worn grass “path” which was not one of the course’s recognised core paths.
Sheriff Peter Paterson yesterday said Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee would have to accept liability for the actions of their contractors.
However, he said they should only pay half of the £141.90 bill because Mr Donaldson chose to walk his dog there despite coming across the metal rail in the weeks prior to the accident.
Speaking to The Courier, Mr Donaldson who played 386 games for the Dark Blues in two spells at the club said the sheriff’s decision was fair but expressed regret that it had to end up in court.
“It should never have got this far,” he said. “They should have realised they were to blame. The links was negligent and there is no dispute about that.”
Colin McLeod from Carnoustie Golf Links said no one from the management committee was available for comment.
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