Tag: public safety

XL Bully type dogs to be banned

From 31 December 2023 breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL Bully dog to stray will be illegal

New laws banning XL Bully type dogs have been laid in Parliament today, as the Government adds the breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The announcement fulfils the Government’s pledge to put in place laws to ban the breed by the end of the year and protect the public following a concerning rise in fatal attacks.

Under the new rules, which come into force at the end of the year, it will be illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL Bully dogs to stray in England and Wales.

From this date, these dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. Owners of XL Bully dogs are recommended to start training their dog to wear a muzzle and to walk on a lead ahead of the legal restrictions coming into force.

Breeders have also been told to stop mating these types of dogs from now in preparation of it being a criminal offence to sell or rehome these dogs.

From 1 February 2024 , it will then become illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs. By staggering these two dates, current owners of this breed will have time to prepare for these new rules.

Owners who wish to keep their dogs will have until the end of January to register them and will be forced to comply with strict requirements. As well as being muzzled and kept on a lead in public, these dogs must also be microchipped and neutered.

Dogs under one year when the ban comes in must be neutered by the end of the year, older dogs must be neutered by the end of June.

From 1 February, owners without a Certificate of Exemption face a criminal record and an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully type, and their dog could be seized.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “We are taking quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks and today I have added the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.  

“It will soon become a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, rehome or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. In due course it will also be illegal to own one of these dogs without an exemption.

“We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.”

Owners may choose to have their dog put to sleep by a vet, with compensation provided to help with these costs. Further details on how to apply for compensation and the evidence required to make a claim will be provided soon.  

As part of the process, the definition of the ‘XL Bully’ breed type has also been published today. This follows meetings of an expert group, convened by the Environment Secretary and made up of police, local authority, vets and other animal welfare experts to help define the breed. The definition provides clear assessment criteria for owners and enforcement authorities and is a requirement under the Dangerous Dogs Act in order to deliver the ban.

Owners can access the most up to date information on what action they need to take and when on this dedicated page, Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control are already breaking the law, and the enforcement authorities have a full range of powers to apply penalties to them. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership or their dangerous dogs can be euthanised.

Operation Crackle: Dispersal Zones come into effect next week

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle have been set up across Edinburgh and will be enforceable between 3rd November and 5th November 2023.

These zones are set up to help prevent anti-social behaviour and to keep the community safe.

Additional officers will be deployed over the weekend across the city and they have the grounds to take action should people be involved in such conduct, as detailed in the below poster.

Keep yourself and others safe by attending organised events only, which can be found here:

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/…/organised…/…

Red Weather Warnings expanded

  • Storm response plan agreed ahead of full impact of Storm Babet
  • Woman dies after being swept into river in Angus

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met last night, as the highest level Red Weather Warning was expanded to further areas of Scotland.

With impacts from Storm Babet already being felt but expected to increase in severity in the coming day (Friday), resilience partners updated the actions already underway to protect public safety and mitigate the severe disruption that is anticipated.

The meeting was chaired by the Deputy First Minister with Cabinet attendance including the First Minister.

The Met Office Red Warning, which is valid between Thursday evening (1800) and Friday afternoon (1200), has been expanded to cover Angus, South Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross and Dundee.

People in these areas are urged not to travel and to stay at home, with ‘exceptional’ levels of rain likely to result in significant disruption and danger to life.

Amber warnings for rain and wind remain in place for many other parts of the country and people in these areas are advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Localised power outages have been experienced in coastal areas of eastern Scotland and across the north of Scotland with ongoing impact expected in Aberdeenshire and Angus in line with the Amber Warning for wind. Most affected households have already been reconnected and operational resource levels remain good.

People are asked to plan ahead and expect significant disruption to transport. Road operating companies have been clearing roads. Rail and bus services have been suspended in affected areas. Passengers are asked to check with transport operators to get the latest information on services.

SEPA has issued local flood warnings and encouraged people to follow alerts.

In limited parts of Angus, evacuation plans are being drawn up to protect the public from extreme flood risks. In the exceptional circumstances in which these apply, members of the public will be contacted directly by resilience partners. A major incident has also been declared for Perth and Kinross, Dundee City and Angus local authority areas.

Tourism partners have also been alerted to ensure that visitors to Scotland are provided with travel and safety guidance.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said last night: “Storm Babet is still in its early stages and the worst impacts are yet to come. Protecting the public is our immediate priority and we are coordinating a national effort to ensure that people are safe.

“The Red Warning has been expanded to cover further parts of Scotland and we expect weather conditions to deteriorate seriously overnight. Our message is clear – if you live in the areas covered by the Red Warning, please stay at home and do not travel, unless advised to relocate to a rest centre.

“With weather warnings in place for much of the country, I would urge everyone to be vigilant and to exercise extreme caution. No matter where you live, please make sure you stay up to date with conditions affecting your area. If you need to travel in a yellow warning area then make sure you can travel safely and that roads and services are not impacted.

“We are working with partners across the country, including emergency services, the voluntary sector and energy companies, to make sure that we mitigate disruption as much as possible. However, we are clear that there will be considerable disruption and we expect to launch a major clean-up operation as we move into the weekend.”

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: “Emergency services, local authorities and a range of resilience partnerships are working extremely hard to prepare and respond during what is an extremely challenging event.

“Police officers are helping local authorities evacuate a large number of properties in the Tayside area which is seeing some of the most significant impacts of the storm.

“I would urge people to continue to follow advice and listen to media broadcast, including radio, for updates.

“Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area as well as police, the Met Office website and Traffic Scotland. I’d encourage everyone to share this information with people who don’t have access to the internet.

“Police travel advice is to avoid any form of travel in areas covered by the red weather warning.

“Driving conditions are extremely dangerous and floodwater could cause a danger to life. Plan ahead and don’t travel into areas affected by the Red weather warning.”

Pascal Lardet, SEPA Flood Duty Manager, said: “There is exceptional rainfall forecast for parts of Scotland over the next 24 hours, and this will lead to significant flooding from both surface water and rivers.

“Regional Flood Alerts were issued over the last two days to provide early awareness, and localised Flood Warnings started to be issued this morning. More will be issued across the day, so I do encourage people to check our Flood Updates for all the latest information. You can also follow @SEPAFlood on X.

“However, it is important to stress that not all areas that could be affected have Flood Warning schemes, so please do take a Flood Alert in your area as advance notice that you could be affected.

“Follow the advice of the emergency services and take action now to protect yourself and your property. Hazards can be hidden, so please don’t walk or drive into flood water.

“Remember that not only is flood water likely to be dirty, 30 cm of fast flowing water can move an average family sized car, and just 15 cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet.”

Legionella bacteria at Western General: Investigations underway

Investigations are being carried out at the Western General Hospital following detection of Legionella bacteria in water supplying parts of the radiotherapy treatment area.

The source has been isolated and there have been no cases of infection in patients or staff.  The type of Legionella detected does not usually cause infection in humans. 

In line with national guidance, a thorough programme of disinfection and cleaning is being carried out and services temporarily relocated to minimise any potential risk.

Essential patient services are continuing to be provided in other areas of the building.

Two specialist radiotherapy treatment machines (Linacs) have been temporarily closed while remedial works continue. Patients who are normally treated on these Linacs will be reallocated to one of the other five treatment machines at the Western General Hospital which are not affected.

The remaining radiotherapy machines will be run for extended hours to ensure patient appointments continue to be allocated and carried out as quickly as possible.

Alison MacDonald, Nurse Director, NHS Lothian said: “Legionella bacteria was detected during routine water sampling as part of our building monitoring and hygiene vigilance measures.”

“The risk to patients and staff is low but we’ve enhanced infection and control measures across the building as a precaution. 

“We assure patients that radiotherapy treatments will continue to be carried out as quickly as possible and apologise to anyone who has been affected or had their appointment rescheduled.”

The situation is being closely monitored and continuously assessed. Patients will be kept informed of any changes and should speak to their treatment team if they have any concerns.

Police launch Operation Summer City

Police have launched their summer campaign to keep people safe throughout the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe 2023.

From Tuesday, 1 August, an enhanced policing presence will be deployed throughout the Capital’s city centre as part of Operation Summer City to engage with the public and offer a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice.

In addition, the dedicated patrols will deter and detect criminal activity and provide public reassurance.

Local officers from across Edinburgh will be supported throughout Operation Summer City by colleagues from neighbouring divisions, as well as a range of national and specialist departments within Police Scotland.

Each day there we be a mobile police station in the High Street, where the public can report any crime or suspicious activity they experience, or receive in-person safety information from the officers working within.

Throughout the duration of the campaign, the Edinburgh Division social media channels will be used to provide crime prevention advice and other guidance aimed at safeguarding the public from harm.

Local residents and visitors to the city alike are asked to follow Police Scotland Edinburgh on Facebook and @PSOSEdinburgh on Twitter.

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton from Edinburgh Division said: “The Edinburgh Festivals form the largest festival in the world and turns an international spotlight on the Capital. As such, we must ensure that the policing response is adequate and proportionate during this time.

“From 1 August we will have increased foot patrols within the city centre and officers will provide a visible and reassuring presence to all of those who live, work and visit the area over the course of the Festival and Fringe.

“We benefit greatly from our ability to call upon additional resources from across Police Scotland and I am grateful to the officers coming from other local policing divisions and specialisms who will enhance our response capability for Operation Summer City. We also work closely with event organisers to ensure the event spaces are safe and enjoyable for everyone who attends.

“Throughout the duration of the Military Tattoo, there will be an Air Restriction Zone in place around the Castle esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket and Johnstone Terrace.

“The restriction operates from 4pm until midnight between Thursday, 3 August and Saturday, 26 August. This is to ensure the safety of all of the Tattoo performers and attendees and means that unauthorised drone flying within this area is strictly prohibited.

“Despite the population of Edinburgh doubling during the coming weeks, I am confident the Capital will remain a safe place for both tourists and local residents, but nonetheless, I would ask that anyone who sees anything suspicious during their time within the area reports their concerns to police immediately.

“In addition, I’d encourage the public to follow our social media channels so they can stay up to date with all relevant crime prevention and safety information we will be publishing.”

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton, Operation Summer City Silver Commander, has shared the following message:

https://ow.ly/c34U50PpVsk

#OpSummerCity

Water Safety Scotland produces series of advice codes for water users

Water Safety Scotland (WSS) has produced a series of safety codes that offer important advice pertaining to a number of popular water-based recreational activities. Five activities were selected by examining data from the Water Incident Data (WAID) and are designed around the same three-steps as the more general water safety code.

Experienced and casual users can examine the advice given and hopefully make wiser and more informed decisions when undertaking the activities of angling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking/canoeing, sub-aqua diving and open water swimming. Each code is available to view and download from the WSS website.

A spokesperson for WSS said: “It is vitally important for water users to be well-informed before undertaking recreational activities in or on the water.

“Our activity-specific advice codes will be promoted throughout Scotland to try to ensure that the advice is seen by those who would most benefit from learning it. Our hope is that this will reduce the number of incidents that we see each year”

With summer now upon us, WSS also want to raise awareness of cold water shock (CWS). While it can be tempting to enter the water in warmer weather, the temperature of Scotland’s open water remains very cold and sudden immersion can lead to CWS.

CWS can affect even the strongest swimmers as it overwhelms the ability to breathe and to swim, which can lead to drowning. 

With more hot weather on the way, it is important to learn how to keep safe around water, follow local safety guidance and to avoid alcohol on and near waterways.

Last year, 45 people sadly lost their lives to accidental drowning in Scotland; the majority of which were in inland open waterways such as rivers, canals and lochs (62 per cent).

To help reduce drowning fatalities, WSS is highlighting the three-step water safety code:

·         Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers

·         Stay Together, Stay Safe

·         In an Emergency, Call 999.

On 25 July, in recognition of World Drowning Prevention Day, WSS will be hosting a free Water Safety Open Day at Helix Park, Falkirk between 11am – 3pm.  

Visitors to the event are invited to visit information and activity stands and watch various demonstrations. The Helix Park lagoon will offer opportunities for the public to watch the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) and the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) as well as Newfoundland water rescue dogs in action.

The water safety code can be accessed online here and has been translated into the seven most widely-spoken languages in Scotland. The five activity-specific codes can be accessed here.

Missile warning ahead of today’s Edinburgh derby

Two men, aged 24 and 19, have been arrested and charged in connection with items thrown during a match between Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian in January.

The items were thrown during a match at Easter Road Stadium on Saturday, 22 January.

The men were arrested on Thursday (13 April) and are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait, policing lead for today’s Edinburgh derby, said: “We take reports of missile throwing at matches very seriously and we work with clubs to identify anyone involved.

“The consequences of being struck by an item thrown from a stand can be severe and such behaviour will not be tolerated by our football clubs or Police Scotland.”

Testing, testing: Emergency alert service test scheduled for 23rd April

Emergency Alerts is a UK government service that will warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby

ON Sunday 23rd April at 3pm there will be a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts service.

Emergency Alerts is a UK government service that will warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby.

In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.

The government does not need to know your phone number or location to send you an alert.

Reasons you might get an alert

You may get alerts about:

  • severe flooding
  • fires
  • extreme weather

Emergency alerts will only be sent by:

  • the emergency services
  • government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies

What happens when you get an emergency alert

Your mobile phone or tablet may:

  • make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent
  • vibrate
  • read out the alert

The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.

An alert will include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information.

You’ll get alerts based on your current location – not where you live or work. You do not need to turn on location services to receive alerts.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/MvZM-oCReu8

What you need to do

When you get an alert, stop what you’re doing and follow the instructions in the alert.

If you’re driving or riding when you get an alert

  • You should not read or otherwise respond to an emergency alert whilst driving or riding a motorcycle.
  • If you are driving, you should continue to drive and not respond to the noise or attempt to pick up the mobile phone and deal with the message.
  • Find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message. If there is nowhere safe or legal to stop close by, and nobody else is in the vehicle to read the alert, tune into live radio and wait for bulletins until you can find somewhere safe and legal to stop.

It is illegal to use a hand-held device while driving or riding.

If you cannot receive emergency alerts

If you do not have a compatible device, you’ll still be informed about an emergency. The emergency services have other ways to warn you when there is a threat to life.

Emergency alerts will not replace local news, radio, television or social media.

If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted

If you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have an emergency alert.

Respect the Range: Chinook sand sculpture public safety warning

A 100-metre Chinook helicopter, created from sand, appeared on a British beach to draw attention to a serious public safety risk.

Ahead of the busy summer holiday season, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), is urging holidaymakers and locals to take extra care and check military firing and training times when accessing MOD sites shared with the public. This includes a number of popular coastal locations.

Depicting an oversized military vehicle, the sand drawing was brought to life on Saunton Sands beach in Devon, an area steeped in military history and adjacent to the Braunton Burrows Training Estate.

A female artist rakes sand on the beach at Saunton Sands

The artwork launches the next phase of the Respect the Range campaign, a public safety initiative to warn visitors about the very real risks they face when entering shared land used by the MOD for training. Risks include:

  • live firing
  • unexploded ordnance
  • fast-moving military vehicles

Accessing military training estate areas when it is not safe to do so, not only places visitors in harm’s way,  but can also put service personnel at risk and interrupt vital training exercises designed to prepare the Armed Forces’ to deploy in real-life situations.

The MOD wants to raise awareness of the risks to the general public, especially any holidaymakers or day-trippers heading to coastal hotspots this summer.

Three sand artists wearing t-shirts saying 'Respect the Range' rake sand on the beach at Saunton Sands

There are a large number of MOD training locations across the UK, but Respect the Range highlights the following key sites with shared public access that could pose significant risk to locals and tourists: Lulworth, Holbeach, Donna Nook, Barry Buddon, Lydd & Hythe, Salisbury Plain and Aldershot.

To protect themselves and stay safe while using military land, the MOD is encouraging visitors to:

  • check training times before traveling
  • stick to public access routes
  • observe safety information including red flags, fences, signs and by-laws while on military land
  • don’t touch any ordnance they come across, and report it

Brigadier Jonathan Bartholomew, DIO’s Head of Overseas Region and the Defence Training Estate, said: “With the summer holidays now upon us, it’s an important time for us to raise public awareness about MOD training estate locations and how the public can stay safe when visiting them.

“Whilst last year’s Respect the Range campaign targeted the countryside of Salisbury Plain and Aldershot, this year we are focusing on protecting tourists and visitors on our coastline.

“These beauty spots are shared land, where families, tourists and locals spend time. But it’s also where our Armed Forces practise live-fire training, so it can go from tranquil to treacherous by the hour, 24 hours a day.

“The MOD supports public access to much of the military estate and encourages visitors to explore the beauty of Britain’s beaches, but this should be done in accordance with military guidance and with caution.

“We ask that the public do not cross into areas that are prohibited, stick to public paths and always check live firing times. This will help protect yourself, your loved ones and military personnel. It’s key that we work together to share these spaces with respect and consideration.”

Respect the Range highlights the dual use of each location by using memorable photography and design, and targeting the most popular types of land usage in the hotspots.

This phase of the campaign builds on last year’s pilot, which focused on MOD’s landlocked locations, by bringing in coastal locations too. The dangers differ but are equally as dangerous between the distinct terrains, and it is important that the public are aware of these in order to stay safe.

Please note that Braunton Burrows Training Estate is not an area used for live firing exercises.

For more information on how to access military estate safely, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/safe-access

Summer’s here: Keep it fun not fatal

National charity and leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding training across the UK and Ireland, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), is urging people to get summer ready by brushing up on their water safety skills and knowledge with their national Drowning Prevention Week campaign (18 – 25 June). 

With over 400 people dying each year in the UK and Ireland from accidental drowning, it’s clear that it’s a topic that needs more attention. 

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said: “With June, July, and August proving to be the months with the most fatalities, it is vitally important that everyone has an understanding of water safety, especially during the summer months. 

“We have seen a rise in the number of drownings over the last few years, with peaks during the summer. In July 2021, there were 49 accidental drowning fatalities in the space of just two weeks in the UK, and we know that with the right water safety knowledge, accidental drownings are avoidable. 

“We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy their summer break and enjoy being in or around water but be safe in the knowledge that they, and their children, have the skills and understanding about water safety, which could potentially save a life.  Every life is worth saving.”

Drowning is not just a topic that needs attention for those who take part in water-based activities either, in 2021 evidence from the National Water Safety Forum showed that 40% of people had no intention to enter the water.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has a range of free educational resources available on their website for children, young people and parents and are holding their annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign between 18th-25th June to equip everyone across the UK and Ireland with the skills and knowledge to make the right decisions about water safety. 

Lee Heard continued: “This year for Drowning Prevention Week we are aiming to educate more young people than ever about water safety and give children the skills to enjoy a lifetime of fun in the water. 

“We have a range of free educational resources available on the RLSS UK website, including lesson plans for schools and resources for parents, as well as a brand new animation to engage young people in learning about water safety. 

“In a recent survey, over 55% of parents said they would not be confident their child would know what to do if they fell into open water; this is something we want to change. 

“Drowning Prevention Week brings the focus of water safety to people’s minds, giving everyone the opportunity to be equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge to be summer ready when it comes to being safe in and around water during the summer months and beyond.”

With many families opting for staycations and heading to the coastlines and waterways for holidays in recent times, having an understanding of what to do if you find yourself or someone else in trouble in the water is more important than ever.

Lee Heard added: “If you or someone else finds themselves in difficulty in the water, it’s vital to remember the Water Safety Code: whenever you are around water you should stop and think to assess your surroundings and look for any dangers; stay together when around water and always go with family and friends; in an emergency call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue service when inland and the Coastguard if at the coast; and finally float to live, if you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back and call for help, or if you see someone in the water, throw something that floats to them and resist temptation to go in.”

Drowning Prevention Week takes place 18th-25th June and free resources can be downloaded from www.rlss.org.uk/dpw. 

Follow us on Twitter – @RLSSUK

Visit our Facebook page – facebook.com/RLSSUK 

Call – 0300 323 0096