A community safety group has warned dog owners to be responsible for their pet’s actions after a confrontation between two animals left one of them disfigured.
Macduff Safety Group’s plea came after it was reported locally that a family pet had been left with a ripped ear and puncture wounds when it was attacked by a Belgian shepherd-like dog.
Allegedly, the latter was not on a lead at the time of the incident, which was reported on a Macduff-based social media page, and sparked outrage among campaigners and locals.
Last night, Scottish SPCA chief superintendent, Mike Flynn, said it was important all owners kept their dogs under control at all times.
He added: “Every year, we deal with a wide range of animals which have been injured or killed by dogs who have been allowed to run loose.
“Allowing your dog to be out of control is completely irresponsible and could constitute an offence under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act.”
Mark Findlater, a member of the port’s safety group, responded that dog owners had to be responsible for their pets’ actions.
He said: “This incident sounds terrible and dog owners have got to be considerate. There is a need for dogs to socialise with other dogs and run off the lead, but there is a time and a place for it.
“Certain breeds of dogs are more aggressive, and, as far as the safety group is concerned, people have to be able to control their pets. There have been instances in the past where people and other dogs have been attacked in the area.
“It’s terrible that a dog was attacked this time, but what if it was a child?
“There are stories where kids have had their faces ripped off – it really is a safety concern.”