Shetland Islands Council

Office Headquarters Chief Executive: Maggie Sandison Executive Services Department 8 North Ness Business Park Lerwick Shetland ZEIOLZ Jenny Marra MSP Convener Telephone: Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee [email protected] RoomT3.60 www.shetland.gov.uk The Scottish Parliament EDINBURGH EH991SP By email: [email protected] Direct Dial: Email: chie f.executive@s hetland.gov. uk

Our Ref: L29.08. l 9-JM Dace: 29 August 2019 Your Ref:

Dear Jenny Marra

Post-legislative Scrutiny of Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010

I am writing in response to your request for information on the immediate steps Shetland Islands Council would be taking to strengthen how the authority currently deals with out of control dogs

I can confirm my enforcement officers have read the Post-Legislative Scrutiny report and revisited the Council's current procedures for dealing with instances of out of control and dangerous dogs. This prompted a critical review of how recently reported instances of out of control dogs have been dealt with. In undertaking this review it has become apparent that our Council is experiencing a significant increase in reportsof dogs being out of control (and in some circumstances) dangerous.

All incidents have been investigated and acted upon in line with the Council's enforcement policy which means that, where necessary Dog Control Notices have been served together with reports to the Procurator Fiscal for consideration of prosecution.

The review does however highlight that there is a lack of understanding on the roles and responsibilities of partner agencies in dealing with reports of out of control and dangerous dogs locally particularly between Police Scotland and local authority officers.

The Environmental Health team is arranging a liaison meeting with representatives from Police Scotland, to develop a mutual understanding each agencies roles and responsibilities in line with the current Scottish Government Protocol. Following this meeting officers will finalise the review our local procedures, ensuring they are effective and proportionate in relation to protecting the public. This review will also consider our role in promoting awareness amongst dog owners of the need to keep their dogs under control. Page 1 of2 I trust this letter clarifies the immediate and next steps undertaken by Shetland Islands Council.

Yours faithfully

Maggie Sandison Chief Executive

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