Council may take a lead on dogs

The plan to leash dogs when playing in parks is controversial

A bid to make dog owners put their pets on a lead in Aberdeen's parks is being considered by the city council.

The idea, being discussed on Wednesday, has been put forward by Rosemount councillor Bill Cormie and would affect all city centre public parks.

He said it followed complaints from people who said their children had been frightened by out-of-control dogs.

However, several dog owners told BBC Scotland they were against the plan as their pets could behave off the lead.

'Absolutely ridiculous'

Mr Cormie said: "I am not trying to target responsible dog owners, but I would be letting my constituents down with the number of complaints I have been receiving.

"People have come to me about over-excited dogs.

"In one case one child was badly scratched, and children became frightened."

One female dog owner, among those against the plan, said: "I think it's absolutely ridiculous, when you think of the damage done by vandals, and they worry about dogs who cause no harm at all in parks."