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Chamber and committees

Responsible Dog Ownership Course Pilot

  • Submitted by: Christine Grahame, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Scottish National Party
  • Date lodged: Tuesday, 03 March 2026
  • Motion type: Standard Motion
  • Motion reference: S6M-20982

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the pilot phase of the Responsible Dog Ownership Course (RDOC), the first education-based intervention of its kind in Scotland for cases involving out-of-control dogs; notes that the live online course is aligned with current Scottish legislation and is designed to support proportionate and preventative responses, including referrals alongside dog control notices where appropriate, with the aim of reducing repeat incidents and improving community safety; recognises that the course covers legal responsibilities, safe handling, risk awareness and the wider community impact of irresponsible ownership, and is underpinned by behaviour change principles; acknowledges that there is no cost to local authorities or partners for referrals, with reduced fees available for eligible participants; welcomes the positive outcomes reported since the programme’s establishment, and encourages local authorities, dog control officers, Police Scotland and relevant partners to consider education-led interventions as part of a preventative, community-focused approach to responsible dog ownership across Scotland.