Call for law change after dog savages pets

RECOVERING . . . Billy needed extensive veterinary treatment having suffered serious neck injuries after being attacked by the roaming dog in Hollins

A “DANGEROUS” and “out of control” dog that has been attacking other pets has led to residents and the council to call for a change in the law.

No criminal action can be taken as dog attacks are only considered a legal issue when a human is the victim, not another dog. Police and council officers say in recent weeks they have had two reports of an American Bulldog attacking other dogs in Hollins. Residents claim there have been up to five attacks by the same dog, often seen roaming the area of Hollins Road and Copsterhill Park. The dog’s owner lives in the area.

The first reported attack saw small dog Billy receive horrific neck injuries after being bitten while with his owner, who declined to talk. The dog is now recovering.

More recently, the same dog is said to have attacked West Highland terrier Poppy as she was walked by her owner Janet Redfern.

Mrs Redfern said: “Fortunately she wasn’t injured because she was wearing a dog coat. The dog bit the coat and wouldn’t let go. A man prised the dog’s jaw open with a walking stick.

“The dog freely roams the area and people are terrified of encountering it. Many believe it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured. The dog is out of control and dangerous.”

Mrs Redfern says it is “crazy” that the dog must injure a person before something can be done.

A GMP spokesperson said: “We are aware of the issue and want to speak to the owner.”

Councillor Barbara Brownridge said: “We identified the owner of the dog and have spoken to them about making their property more secure. The only thing owners can do is to carry out legal action themselves and this would be something we would advise.

“Following this latest incident an officer will visit the owner again and I’ll raise the legislative issue with our local MPs.”