A TERRIFIED Dunfermline woman claiming she has been attacked 12 times by “dangerous dogs” is urging dog walkers to put their pets on a lead.

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Press that she now carries a stick to protect herself and her dog as she walks in Paton Steet park and on the Townhill to Whitefield Road cycle path.

Dunfermline MP Thomas Docherty and MSP Cara Hilton have called for dog walkers to be responsible when out and about after hearing about the woman’s encounters while out walking.

The dog walker told the Press, “The first time I was attacked was behind Bellyeoman Primary School by two Alsatians off the lead. I was attacked again recently by two Staffies off the lead on the cycle path leading from Townhill to Whitefield Road.

“I was knocked down and thought I would be bitten on the face. The young man could not control them.

"He said he did not see me nor my dog until it was too late. He apologised and said the dogs were not his and that they belonged to a friend and they would not hurt me.

“I was terrified!

“Dunfermline is a terrible place to have a dog.

“I have started carrying a stick when I am out walking and I have to use it all the time because dogs are coming up to me and my dog.

“I think that there should be a law that all dogs would have to be kept on a lead in public places.

“I would hate to think what would happen if these dogs were to go up to kids playing in the park or walking their dogs.” Thomas Docherty MP said, “It is unfortunate that these incidents occur given the majority of dog owners are responsible and do recognise when to put their dogs on a lead.

“All dog owners need to be respectful of each other when out in public, particularly at busy dog-walking times and where children are playing.

“Putting dogs on a lead in certain circumstances would avoid unnecessary attacks and ensure all owners can have a pleasant dog-walking experience.” Cara Hilton MSP added, “Dunfermline, due to its many green spaces, has great dog walks. It is disappointing to hear that responsible owners are being affected by those who assume it’s acceptable to let their dogs approach others who are making an effort to prevent confrontation by keeping their own dog on a lead.

“I think a common-sense approach should be adopted by all dog owners to ensure that they themselves, visitors, walkers and particularly children can enjoy an incident-free visit to public parks and green spaces in and around Dunfermline.” If you have been affected by dangerous dogs in West Fife contact hparr@dunfermlinepress.co.uk or editorial@dunfermlinepress.co.uk.