Sign in
☰
People MPsHouse of LordsGovernmentOppositionPartiesCommittees Votes Commons votesLords votesVotes by issueTopicsStats & rankingsParliament in numbers Legislation BillsEarly day motionsPetitions Elections Election resultsConstituenciesWho is my MP? Scotland OverviewMSPsScottish GovernmentVotesBillsMotionsCommitteesConstituencies & regionsElections Search Sign in

Motion · S6M-20982 · 3 Mar 2026

Responsible Dog Ownership Course Pilot

Lodged by Christine Grahame Standard Motion 22 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the pilot phase of the Responsible Dog Ownership Course (RDOC), the first education-based intervention of its kind in Scotland for cases involving out-of-control dogs; notes that the live online course is aligned with current Scottish legislation and is designed to support proportionate and preventative responses, including referrals alongside dog control notices where appropriate, with the aim of reducing repeat incidents and improving community safety; recognises that the course covers legal responsibilities, safe handling, risk awareness and the wider community impact of irresponsible ownership, and is underpinned by behaviour change principles; acknowledges that there is no cost to local authorities or partners for referrals, with reduced fees available for eligible participants; welcomes the positive outcomes reported since the programme’s establishment, and encourages local authorities, dog control officers, Police Scotland and relevant partners to consider education-led interventions as part of a preventative, community-focused approach to responsible dog ownership across Scotland.

Supporters (22)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.