New statistics have been uncovered by a Freedom of Information request, revealing the significant number of pets seized by West Dunbartonshire Council’s dog warden. Over the past five years, a total of 64 dogs have been seized, with American Bulldogs being the most commonly complained-about breed in 2020 and 2021. The figures also show that Jack Russell/Lakeland crossbreeds, German Shepherds, Lurchers, and Collies were top complaints in previous years.
Complaints to the dog warden encompass issues such as dog fouling, excessive barking, and dog welfare. In cases where a dog is deemed out of control, the local council can issue a Dog Control Notice outlining the necessary actions to bring the pet under control. Since 2019, West Dunbartonshire has issued 21 Dog Control Notices, with none being issued in the current year.
In addition to issuing notices, the council also has the authority to seize dogs from owners. However, the number of dogs being seized has seen a decline over the past five years. In 2019, 32 pets were removed, which reduced to 16 in 2020. The latest figures for 2024 indicate that only three dogs have been seized so far.
Last month, the Communications Workers Union (CWU) urged the Scottish Government to eliminate the “one free bite rule” to hold dog owners more accountable for their pets’ actions. The union highlighted concerns about the safety of the public, particularly postal workers, due to leniency towards owners of violent dogs.
The data also disclosed that two pet owners were issued with multiple Dog Control Notices in 2019, with the most common requirement being that the pet must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places. While the council retains the power to seize dogs, the decreasing number of seizures suggests a potential shift towards other methods of enforcement and compliance in managing pet-related issues in the community.
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