Scottish Government “investing in community safety”

The Scottish Government has announced an investment of nearly £200,000 aimed at enhancing community safety by addressing issues related to dangerous and out‐of‐control dogs.

Published on 08 April 2025, the news release details that Police Scotland has been allocated £166,000 to both train officers in the identification of banned dog breeds and purchase specially-equipped vans designed for the safe transport of potentially dangerous dogs.

Additionally, the National Dog Warden Association (NDWA) will receive £30,000 earmarked for the training of dog wardens. These financial measures follow the recommendations of a Responsible Dog Ownership Summit held last September, where key stakeholders—including Police Scotland, local authorities, veterinary bodies, representatives from public health, and third sector organizations—came together to evaluate and propose enhancements to current dog control and public safety protocols.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown emphasized that while most dog owners are responsible, it is essential to protect the public from the risks posed by dangerous animals. She noted that the funding would not only improve the capacity of the police and dog wardens to enforce legislation but also help in promoting responsible dog ownership throughout communities.

Jim Ferguson, Chair of the NDWA, expressed that his organization welcomed both the summit’s recommendations and the new funding, reaffirming their commitment to working collaboratively with the Scottish Government and other partners. The aim is to review and strengthen policy and practice in order to better protect both people and pets.