Armed police have shot dead a “dangerously out of control” bulldog-type dog that attacked a Collie.
Three people sustained minor injuries during the incident in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, on Sunday morning.
Police were called to a report of a large bulldog-type dog attacking a Collie dog in Mannering at around 10.25am.
Local officers attended and attempted to restrain the dog, which police described as “dangerously out of control”.
Armed officers went to the scene and the dog was shot dead.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the breed of dog and there will be a continued police presence in the area while enquiries continue.
“As with any firearm discharge, the circumstances of the incident will be referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC).”
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The incident comes ahead of the first phase of the Scottish government’s safeguards on XL bully dogs.
From Friday – subject to parliamentary approval – all XL bully dogs in Scotland must be kept on a lead and muzzled when out in public.
It will also be illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift or abandon the dogs.
The second phase – in which all XL bully dog owners must have an exemption certificate or have applied for one – is expected to come into force from 1 August.
The dogs will also have to be microchipped and neutered.
Those that are convicted of breaching the rules could face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
On Monday, community safety minister Siobhian Brown said: “With new safeguards for XL bully dogs coming into force in just a few days it’s vital that owners get ready and prepare for them now.
“Whilst dog attacks remain a rare occurrence, where they do occur, they can have devastating consequences which is why safeguards must be introduced.
“We are doing so whilst ensuring we promote and support responsible ownership, and public safety as effectively as possible.
“The new regulations 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.”
Source Agencies
