Residents fear a pet will be killed after reports of 47 dog attacks near a Fife village this year.
Police have stepped up patrols amid concerns over the handling of the incidents around Blebo Craigs, near Cupar.
Meg Mackinnon’s basset hound Lulu has been attacked seven times, most recently on Tuesday.
And she says joggers and cyclists have stopped using Kemback Woods.
“The dogs chase them and they have bitten people,” she said.
“There have also been dog on dog attacks and sheep have been chased and attacked.
“Some older residents are terrified and I’ve banned my children from going up to the forest because it’s too dangerous.”
Villagers say the attacks have involved several dogs belonging to more than one person.
And they are accusing police and Fife Council’s community safety team of a lack of action, despite the high number of reports.
Fear next attack could prove fatal
The 47 complaints in six months are a sharp rise on the 16 made in the whole of last year.
Meg told The Courier: “My dog was attacked again this week.
“She’s the most friendly, lovable dog you’ll ever come across, not a bad bone in her body.
“Now, she’s so scared that every time another dog comes towards her she pees herself.
“It makes my blood boil.”
Blebo Craigs residents predict a repeat of last year’s fatal attack on a collie near Elie unless action is taken.
“There was also another incident in Kinross,” said Meg.
“In both cases police and dog wardens were warned and they’ve been warned again about this.”
Confusion around reporting dog attacks
Residents claim police and the council’s safer communities team are “buck passing” when it comes to addressing complaints.
North East Fife MP Wendy Chamberlain is now involved and has met officers from both organisations.
She says some progress has now been made thanks to months of’ “sustained pressure”.
The Lib Dem MP said: “The delays, lack of clarity, and gaps in communication have been unacceptable.
“I will continue to push for further updates and for residents’ voices to be heard.
“Moving forward, I’ll also be highlighting the ambiguity of the legislation and the confusion around responsibility and reporting.”
What are officers doing about Blebo Craigs dog attacks?
Police and council officers are working together on the Blebo Craigs dog attacks issue.
Chief Inspector Craig Fraser says robust action has now been taken regarding some complaints, with reports made to the procurator fiscal.
“We have increased our patrols in the area and I would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to our officers who are there to help,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fife Council’s Graeme Anderson said: “We ask that owners be considerate of others and keep their dogs under control in public spaces.
“We are working closely with Police Scotland and other partners and will take appropriate action in line with the Control of Dogs Scotland Act when necessary.”
Anyone who witnesses an incident can call Fife Council on 03451 55 00 22.
Further information is available at fife.gov.uk/dogs
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