ONE of Scotland's largest councils is to clamp down on dog ownership in blocks of flats after five people were injured by the same animal in one stairwell.

Edinburgh City Council is to consider tougher action against people who flout dog bans after the alleged incident at Cables Wynd House in Leith last year.

The dog was thought to have been a cross between an American Pitbull – a breed banned under Dangerous Dogs Act – and a Staffordshire Terrier. It has since been put down.

It is understood a broad change of policy would also affect people who own dogs in other multi-occupancy blocks such as tenements, and the move could also set a precedent that could be adopted by other councils.

Initially the local authority plans a "pet ownership" scheme that would remind residents with dogs of their responsibilities but also help identify and remove animals banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act that are being kept illegally.

The Herald understands a report is now to be considered by a sub- committee responsible for safety in multistorey flats before options are finalised.

Mark Turley, director of Services for Communities, said the council's tenancy agreement in relation to keeping dogs does prohibit the keeping of dogs in multistorey blocks, but few take notice of the rules.

Mr Turley said: "Inevitably this does not prevent tenants from choosing to have dogs in their homes. Reported nuisance or disturbance in relation to dogs are investigated by the multistorey block managers and community safety staff within the local neighbourhood teams.

"The course of action taken will be dependent on the individual circumstances in each case and the extent of any nuisance being caused. Normally, a change of behaviour will be sought from irresponsible owners to ensure dogs are managed in a responsible way. In the case of Cables Wynd House, no previous nuisance was reported.

"Taking legal action to enforce a prohibitive tenancy condition, including the clause on not keeping dogs, is difficult and can be a lengthy legal process."