Minority trouble

As the Scottish Government’s consultation on promoting responsible dog ownership draws to a close this week, animal protection charity OneKind is proposing a simple but effective general dog licensing scheme.

A recent two-part documentary on STV looking at the problem of dangerous dogs highlighted clearly that the issues we face with out-of-control dogs are often sadly the result of irresponsible ownership.

Under our proposal for a general licence, responsible dog owners, who microchip their dogs, treat them kindly and keep them under control, would feel little difference.

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There would, however, be a cost-effective mechanism for authorities to enforce responsible dog ownership where problems arise. Finding a long-term solution to the horrors of dog attacks is crucial but there is no one-size-fits-all fix that will solve all of the problems.

Neither the wider population of dogs, nor the majority of owners who are caring and responsible, should pay the price for irresponsible breeding and inappropriate behaviour by a minority.

Libby Anderson

OneKind

Queensferry Street

Edinburgh