'Dangerous dogs are spoiling park'

Julie Gilbert • Published 31 Mar 2010 12:00

"Dangerous" breeds of dogs are making one of Clydebank's parks a no-go area, it has been claimed.

Whitecrook Park was once a place where residents could walk their dogs in peace, but now concerns have been raised about the number of irresponsible owners letting their dogs off their leashes.

One worried woman told the Post: "I have walked through the park and playing fields for many years - I don't any more.

"Many lovely dogs and their owners use the park every day, but fairly frequently now very large dogs and even dangerous breeds are bounding through the park off their leashes.

"I just wasn't prepared to take the risk and know other people, especially those with children, that feel the same."

Clydebank MSP Des McNulty has received a number of complaints about the problem and would like to see more done to protect the public.

He said: ""The vast majority of dog owners are considerate and responsible.

"It would be a great pity if a few who are not, spoiled the park for the rest of the community.

"There is dangerous dog legislation going through the Parliament at the moment.

"But what the different agencies such as the council and the police need to do is look at what can be done under present legislation and also see if anything extra is needed which could support responsible dog owners and protect the public."

Clydebank police have received a number of complaints regarding dogs in Whitecrook Park and say they will "continue to advise dog owners of their responsibilities".

A West Dunbartonshire spokeswoman said: "The council will have its dog warden patrol the park to ensure there are no stray dogs causing any nuisance.

"Our powers only extend to the seizure of stray dogs and therefore if a dog is under the control of its owner, even off the lead, then we would not take any formal action.

"Our dog warden could however offer some advice to those dog owners whose dogs are causing concern as they may be unaware of any alarm that they are causing to other members of the public within the park."

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 31 Mar 10

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