Chamber and committees

Petitioner submission of 24 October 2021

PE1892/B: Introduce a law that makes attacks by one dog on another dog a crime

The control of dog on dog attacks through financial compensation orders.

The Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act in my opinion does not fully legislate for ‘dog on dog‘ attacks.

The existing Act does not consider the financial effect on owners of dogs who have lost a dog after a dog on dog attack. I consider that this is an important omission from the legislation.

I believe that the 2010 Act should be enhanced with a new legal clause which would directly address this challenging issue.

Local authorities have insufficient power to address the issue of dog on dog attacks which leaves individuals or families in a state of trauma, distress, anxiety and in some cases bereavement by losing a dog who has been considered to be a valuable member of the family.

As it stands only assistance dogs are protected under the law.

It is my intention to put pressure on dog owners whose dog has fatally attacked another dog.

It is my considered view that an owner whose dog has killed another dog should be considered as a person who is lacking in responsibility.

For not being responsible - dog owners should be made accountable. In this regard, a DCN - dog control notice - is an insufficient tool to deal with this atrocious situation.

I draw your attention to ‘Bite Back’ and ‘Lead the Way’ campaigns. It is important to find a new policy way forward which will protect innocent dogs and their owners. Demonstrating at the same time that justice is available for those who have suffered.

The Scottish Government needs to put in place the necessary steps which will give Local Authorities enhanced powers to address the issue of dog owners who lack the discipline of responsibility and bring in a new form of accountability.

It is clear that a change in personal behaviour is required. A behavioural change in my opinion is the only way to instil the discipline of responsibility. It is my view that the threat of financial imperatives will create the necessary conditions to start the process towards individuals reassessing their approach to looking after the wellbeing of both their own dog and that of other owners’ dogs.

In my opinion prevention in the form of redress through a financial penalty – consider this financial penalty as a form of compensation order – should make all dog owners consider their approach to dog handling leading to enhanced behavioural change.

At the same time the dog owner whose dog has fatally attacked another dog will feel the effects of this action through a financial compensation order.

It is my view that this financial compensation order should be issued to cover veterinary fees combined with funeral expenses if required to a maximum order of £5,000.

I personally have experienced the loss of a valuable friend, a dog whose name was Ralph, in shocking circumstances of a dog on dog attack.

This submission is dedicated to Ralph in the hope that we all can raise the responsibility stakes to a level where dog on dog attacks may never be heard of again.