Irresponsible owners face 'dog Asbos'

Published on Saturday 14 March 2009 18:58

COURTS will be given fresh powers to crack down on irresponsible dog owners, the MSP behind the legislation has warned.

South of Scotland MSP Christine Grahame has taken over the task of steering the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill through Parliament.

It includes controversial proposals for dog Asbos and has already won the backing of postal worker unions.

"This bill is to put in place preventative measures that can be used against owners who consistently fail to control their dogs," Grahame said today.

"Responsible dog owners will welcome the power this gives courts to crack down on irresponsible owners who allow their dogs to wreak havoc and endanger the safety of both humans and other dogs."

The dog Asbos would see problem pets microchipped to monitor their behaviour and owners instructed to try to improve their conduct.

The legislation was the brainchild of Grahame's fellow Nationalist Alex Neil, but he was recently promoted to ministerial office, which prevents him from promoting a member's bill.

Grahame hailed Neil's "foresight and public spirit" for his work on the bill.

Animal welfare organisations, dog experts and dog owners have all been consulted.

Grahame said the "vast majority" believe the bill will strike a balance between improving public safety and "targeting only the irresponsible minority".

She added: "There are situations up and down the country where people use dogs as weapons, and breed and train them to be aggressive, and there is no legislation to protect people or other animals from them. This will allow the police and local authorities to proactively prevent such behaviour."