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Action call after big rise in dangerous dog notices

There has been a big rise in the number of dog control orders given out across Scotland.
There has been a big rise in the number of dog control orders given out across Scotland.

The number of dog control orders issued in Fife nearly quadrupled in a single year, it has been revealed.

The figures emerged after it was revealed the number of investigations into dangerous dogs across Scotland almost doubled over the same 12-month period.

Figures released to the Scottish Conservatives revealed 2,080 investigations took place in 2012/13, compared to 1,114 the previous year.

Dog control notices issued when an investigation finds the dog is not being kept under control or has been causing alarm rose from 92 to 147 over the same period.

The number of investigations in Fife nearly tripled, rising from 55 in 2011/12 to 159 the following year. The number of dog control notices issued rose by an even higher rate, from 10 to 37.

Neither Dundee nor Angus councils issued any dog control notices over the two years. However, the number of investigations carried out by Dundee City Council rose from 97 to 136, while in Angus they increased from 27 to 80.

In Perth and Kinross the number of investigations fell, from 40 to 36. Only one dog control notice was issued, in 2012/13.

Across Courier Country the total number of investigations rose from 301 to 552 while the number of notices issued rose from 11 to 43.

The Scottish Government has now launched a consultation on new ways of controlling dogs.

Last month First Minister Alex Salmond met the parents of eight-year-old dog attack victim Broagan McCuiag and other families, including Dundee woman Veronica Lynch, whose daughter was killed by rottweilers in Dunoon in 1989.

Proposals include compulsory microchipping of dogs and making them wear muzzles in public.

The latest figures on dog investigations and control notices were released by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill in response to a parliamentary question by Conservative MSP Nanette Milne.

Ms Milne said: “Last year was a particularly bad one for dog attacks in Scotland, with a number of high-profile cases right across the country.

“The fact these investigations have increased shows you just how concerned the public is about this serious issue.

“However, it is worrying some councils appear to be treating this as a priority while others are paying hardly any attention to the matter.

“I’m glad the Scottish Government is taking some action on this by way of a summit.

“But what we really need to do is target these puppy farms where dangerous dogs are being illegally bred and given no kind of controlled upbringing whatsoever.”

A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “Since the period covered by these statistics, two dog control notices have been issued in the city.

“The council also works closely with police on dog control issues.”