An Angus family have expressed their fears over out-of-control dogs after their pet was allegedly attacked near a Traveller encampment.
A group of caravans pitched up on the south side of Forfar Loch Country Park last week without permission.
And a Forfar couple were out walking their boxer to the west of Forfar Lochside Caravan Club when they were confronted by a black labrador on Saturday afternoon.
Lara Mitchell, 46, said she has no issue with Travellers but believes all dogs should be kept under control.
The healthcare assistant said: “I was out walking my five-year-old boxer dog Kayla near the beauty spot where the Travellers are pitched up.
“All of a sudden a black labrador dog came out from near the caravans and started barking.
“It sunk its teeth into Kayla’s hip.
“She was shaking and bleeding a lot so I took her to the emergency vet to get stitched up.
“I have no issue with Travellers but I do think everyone’s dogs should be kept under control, regardless of what their lifestyle or background is.”
Ms Mitchell faces a £240 vet bill for her pet’s stitches and sedation.
Travellers previously arrived at the loch in 2014 during a so-called “summer of discontent” which saw illegal encampments spring up across the town.
In February it emerged the council adopted a “live and let live” approach to more than 30 illegal Traveller camps between 2014 and 2015.
Prior to 2013, police in Tayside were able to move illegal campers on or charge them with trespass.
But now, simply camping illegally on someone’s land is not considered criminality, so the landowner needs to get an eviction notice from the court.
However, these will only be issued if there is proof of mess, noise or any other significant nuisance.
An Angus Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the unauthorised encampment in the Forfar area and are monitoring it in accordance with policy and procedures.”
Police Scotland could not be reached for comment.