Serious dog attacks are on the rise in Scotland with an 80% increase in the last decade. Not only are more people getting hurt but the issue of dog-on-dog aggression, so often unreported or ignored, is also a growing problem and a real worry for those with smaller or frailer pets.
Legislation brought in 2011 enabled councils to force owners to control their dogs but so far the legislation has been rarely applied.
Callum Laidlaw, the Scottish Conservative candidate for Portobello/Craigmillar Ward has publically called for the legislation to be reviewed along with Lothian MSP Miles Briggs. They have also asked that the council do more to prevent dangerous dogs preventing people enjoying the many public spaces in the ward, from the beach to Figgate Park, where people and pets ought to be able to peacefully enjoy time outdoors.