Danger dogs - 'Time to curb the selfish minority'

the plan to take tougher action against owners who can't control their dogs won't be popular with some.

Most obviously, there will be complaints from those owners who think it is OK to let their animals mess the streets or roam wild, even if they frighten children or wildlife. And they will be backed by the sort of commentators who oppose every restriction imposed by the authorities.

But we suspect that the vast majority of Edinburgh folk will agree that it is about time action was taken to curb the selfish minority who let their dogs run loose, regardless of the impact on others.

The worst result of such thoughtless behaviour is dog attacks on people, and the News has reported on many such incidents over the years.

That is why in the past we have called for a rethink on ownership, including the return of the dog licence - and at a more realistic rate than the 37.5p fee which ended in 1987.

We still think a licence would force people to think about what it means to own - and control - a dog. If policed with micro-chipping, it would also make it easier to trace owners of strays and violent animals.

But in the absence of politicians brave enough to push for the return of the dog licence, we welcome the plan we report today to force owners to pay for obedience classes for animals which behave badly.

We would go further, though. Bad dogs are usually made by bad owners, so the authorities should also be looking to "re-educate" them.

This seems as sensible as making drivers who lose their licences take lessons before they get them back - after all some dogs can be as dangerous as cars in the wrong hands.

Is it Dawe over?

jenny Dawe's admission that she is considering not standing again as Lib Dem group leader confirms recent rumours that she may have had enough of the job.

To be clear, she has not confirmed that she will stand down. But political allies and foes alike will take this as more than just a hint that her time is up. Many won't be surprised either, after five tough years as city council leader.

Much could happen between now and May, so it is too early for Mrs Dawe's political obituary. But as things stand her critics will no doubt complain of a lack of leadership and the constraints of her party's local coalition with the SNP - to say nothing of the trams.

And yet, even Mrs Dawe's opponents would surely admit that she has been tireless in the job, and that she has brought intelligence and humanity to the demanding council leader's role.