Two dog attacks in Tayside have left one puppy dead and another pet injured.
A 60-year-old man was charged with dangerous dog offences after a 16-week-old Jack-a-doodle was killed on a beach in Arbroath on Tuesday morning by a St Bernard rescue dog.
The dog was taken to a vet but was pronounced dead after the incident which happened close to a children’s play park in West Links.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that a 60-year-old man has been charged with dangerous dogs offences after an incident at West Links, Arbroath at 9.30am on Tuesday.
“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
It is understood the dog has now been seized by the authorities following the incident.
An investigation was also launched by the city council after a complaint was made about a dog attack in Dundee later that day.
Onlookers watched in horror as a larger dog — believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier — seized hold of a smaller pet with its mouth and wouldn’t let go.
Self-employed photographer Amy Black, 20, was near the Tartan Coffee House on Perth Road when the incident happened at the corner of Dow Street.
She said: “I heard a lot of yelping and looked out to see the larger dog attacking a smaller one.
“I’m really worried about the wee dog because it wouldn’t get off it.
“The woman who was walking the bigger dog was screaming trying to get it off, but it must have been too strong for her.
“The woman finally got it off and then she ran up Dow Street with the Staffie.
“A man ran and shouted on her.
“She kept shouting ‘he’s never done this before’ but she never stopped.
“She was obviously very distressed, as you would be.
“I was completely stressed just watching it — I’m the biggest animal lover out there so I feel totally traumatised.
“I don’t want the Staffie to suffer, but the poor dog it attacked will definitely be injured.”
A spokesman for Dundee City Council said: “There has been a complaint received and we are now investigating the matter.”
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Every year we deal with a wide range of animals which have either been injured or killed by dogs who have been allowed to run loose.
“Allowing your dog to be out of control is completely irresponsible and could constitute an offence under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010.
“It is very important that owners keep their dogs under control at all times.”
