A Fife woman whose dog was killed by an off-road biker is backing calls for more powers to tackle the issue.
Shelagh Cooper from Methil will join MSP Claire Baker at the Scottish Parliament for a debate promoting responsible off-road motorbike and quad bike ownership.
Ms Cooper was left distraught after her white Saluki died when it was struck by a man riding an illegal motorbike in March.
She had been walking with two dogs on waste ground near Mulberry Crescent, Methil, when one was hit by the biker, who rode away.
Mrs Baker, Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, will call for more police powers to tackle the problem.
She will also call for support for the introduction of mandatory registration of bikes with the DVLA.
There is only a voluntary registration scheme in place at present and Mrs Baker believes mandatory registration coupled with education would encourage more responsible off-road activity.
Nuisance bikers riding unregistered vehicles through streets, farmland and waste ground have been causing mayhem in communities across Scotland, including Fife.
Levenmouth has been a particular hotspot and police have been cracking down under the banner of Operation Ducati.
Mrs Baker has previously spoken to the justice minister about illegal bikers and said today’s debate would give the Scottish Government a chance to find a solution.
“I’m pleased to be able to host a debate on the anti-social use of off-road vehicles throughout Fife,” she said.
“I’ve already raised this issue in parliament through questions to the Government and this debate gives the minister and other members the opportunity to fully engage with the problems our communities are facing from off-road motorbikes and hopefully we can work towards a solution.”
She added: “Whilst this anti-social behaviour isn’t just limited to Fife, we have seen recently in Methil its consequences, from the death of a beloved dog to thousands of pounds worth of damage to farmland.
“I’ve met with the police and they are working hard to tackle the problem through Operation Ducati but we must question if they have all the powers they need.
“I’ll be raising this with the Government and hope that following the debate we will be one step closer to a solution.”