UK in grip of dog control problem, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home warns

The UK is in the grip of a serious dog control problem because "they are as easy to buy online as a pair of shoes", a Scottish charity chief has warned.

Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said owners have a responsibility to train them properly.

The new ban on XL bully dogs was a "sticking plaster on a much deeper problem," she added.

The Scottish government said it encouraged responsible ownership of all dog breeds.

Ms Fyffe-Jardine is chief executive of the charity which is currently at capacity with 70 dogs and 30 cats.

She said it was "absolutely unacceptable" that it had become so easy to buy a dog.

"We believe there is a dog control problem and that is not to minimise the absolutely horrible incidents there have been with XL bullies but there are lots of very awful incidents of dog bites and attacks every year and those are severe," she told BBC Scotland News.

"There is a dog control problem in our communities and the government is very aware and is wanting to do more to control that.

"I think the XL bully legislation is a simplification of a much deeper issue in our communities right now.

"It's about putting responsibility back onto the owners. Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. You can't not get it trained or socialise it. There have got to be certain requirements."

It is now illegal to own an American XL bully dog in Scotland, England and Wales without an exemption certificate - and registered dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.

Ownership of American bully XL dogs is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Police can seize unregistered prohibited dogs, and their owners face a criminal record and an unlimited fine.

However, Ms Fyffe-Jardine said it was a "general dog challenge" not an issue with one particular breed.

"There are dogs that have not been socialised or taught to walk on a lead and they are not comfortable to be out with other dogs or people," she said.

"There are incidences where people have not spent the time training and supporting their dogs."

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has seen a 236% increase in "surrenders" - pets handed into the centre - including about 100 requests last month.

Ms Fyffe-Jardine said there were dogs which were obtained in lockdown which had not been well socialised or trained, and become a challenge in the home.

Others come from households which have plunged into crisis.

She said they offer dog training if they are unable to take the pet. The rescue shelter does not put animals to sleep and has had one resident for five years.

"It's compulsory to send your child to school but you don't have to make sure your dog is doing things to keep it safe and well," she added.

"I think it should be less easy to purchase a dog as currently it's as easy as it is to buy a pair of shoes online."

The Scottish government said it was open to discuss animal welfare policy on dogs.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown added: "I know that Scotland is a nation of dog lovers and we know the majority of dog owners are responsible."

She said dog control notices can be enforced by local authorities on any breed of dog and encourage responsible dog ownership.

"The new regulations on XL bully dogs aim to protect public safety and are being introduced as a consequence of similar XL bully controls brought in by the UK government, which created an unacceptable risk of dogs being moved to Scotland from England and Wales," she added.

Sarah McLean, the owner of Citidogs Creche in Edinburgh, agrees there is a dog control problem.

"The XL bullies have definitely detracted from this issue and I think the reason for this is that the damage an XL bully can do is obviously mega," she said.

"Whereas if a sausage dog bites someone or if you have an out of control sausage dog or cockapoo it's more antisocial than dangerous but actually the problem is still the same.

"I think in many ways the owners, not all owners, can be irresponsible and I completely agree because you can buy any breed from anywhere with no regulations and no licensing - it is a problem.

"I have definitely noticed around Edinburgh since lockdown there are a lot more people with dogs and not everybody has complete control over their dogs."

She added: "It does also matter what breed of dog you buy because if you live in a one-bedroom flat and you buy a border collie then you are more likely to end up with behavioural issues than you would be if you bought a dog more suitable for that environment."

"The problems we are seeing in society now is people buying unsuitable breeds for their lifestyle they want to lead and that also goes for the XL bullies if they fall into the wrong hands.

"It's well-meaning people who have not been able to give their dogs the socialisation training that puppies need and there are people buying wrong dogs for their lifestyles."