Responsible Dog Ownership Expert Advisory Group
Overview
This group was set up in 2025 after the Scottish Government Responsible Dog Ownership Summit, held in September 2024.
The group will look at issues related to irresponsible dog ownership and make recommendations for improvements in Scotland, both in the short and long term.
Experts from relevant sectors have been invited to join to bring a broad range of knowledge and experience.
Several sub-groups have been set up to focus on specific areas:
- enforcement and resources
- dog welfare
- education, prevention and communication
- data to inform and support dog control policy
- child health
The group will make recommendations to the Scottish Ministers by the end of 2026.
Members
- Scottish Government
- Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
- Public Health Scotland
- Dog Control Coalition
- Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home
- Independent Clinical Animal Behaviourist
- National Dog Warden Association
- Scottish Animal Welfare Commission
- Communication Workers Union