Renfrewshire politicians have debated how to tackle unethical dog breeding and prevent “aggressive canine behaviour” in the chambers.

Councillors Andy Doig and John Hood brought forward a motion on the topic in light of the Prime Minister’s announcement that the American Bully XL will be banned following a spate of recent attacks.

The independent duo believe the Scottish Government should amend the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 to reintroduce a licence scheme.

Although the pair gained the support of the Labour and Conservative groups, as well as  Councillor Eddie Devine and Liberal-Democrat Councillor Anne Hannigan, the SNP argued the best approach was to “rigorously enforce” the Animal Welfare (Scotland) Regulations 2021 instead – placing the onus on breeders rather than owners.

Councillor Doig told Thursday’s meeting: “You can see the number of dog attacks by the XL Bullies and there’s great public concern about this.

“The only way you’re going to tackle unethical breeders is to have a regulatory, mandatory structure.

“Dog ownership is a privilege, it’s not a right. It’s a great responsibility.”

He accepted an addition from Labour’s Councillor Kevin Montgomery, which called on the Scottish Government to provide appropriate funding for a licensing scheme.

“A proper dog licensing scheme would cost serious money,” Councillor Montgomery said.

“That’s why we would call on the Scottish Government to bear that in mind because I don’t think it’s something we could pay for from existing budgets.”

However, it was the amendment from the SNP’s Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, seconded by her colleague Councillor Jennifer Adam, which passed in the end.

A total of 21 elected members voted for Councillor Doig’s motion, with 21 voting for Councillors Hughes’ amendment, which saw Provost Lorraine Cameron using the casting vote in favour of the latter.

Councillor Hughes said: “My position and the position of dog welfare organisations, like Dogs Trust, is that we should rigorously enforce the 2021 regulations which put the onus on breeders to be registered and on councils to ensure that they are. I think that is the way to go.

“I have real issues with licensing owners because let’s face it, as another dog owner, if there was a license I would pay it because I’m a responsible dog owner.

“What is going to happen with this scheme is that of the 34 per cent of households in Renfrewshire that have dogs, the responsible ones are going to pay it and it’s going to be virtually impossible to enforce getting the other ones to pay.

“Effectively, you’re placing a burden of cost on the people already doing the work.”

She also raised concerns that an additional cost for owners during a cost-of-living crisis could prevent people from rescuing dogs.