A DOG owner is threatening Glasgow City Council with legal action after his pet was attacked three times in the Botanic Gardens.

A DOG owner is threatening Glasgow City Council with legal action after his pet was attacked three times in the Botanic Gardens.

Chris Davies claims he can no longer enjoy the West End park with Murdo - because other selfish dog owners are allowing their pets to roam off their lead.

Mr Davies, 30, of North Kelvinside, is furious the council has failed to enforce a bylaw that requires people to keep their animals under control.

The charity service manager said: "My dog has been attacked three times in the last 18 months and there have also been a few near-misses.

"On a few occasions I have ended up on the ground in a tussle between the dogs.

"If a child was involved it could easily have been a lot worse."

Mr Davies said on one occasion he injured his hand trying to save Murdo from an Alsatian.

Last week, on Kelvin Walkway, a cross-breed sunk its teeth into Murdo's head, leaving a nasty wound that needed veterinary treatment.

Mr Davies said Murdo, a Parson Jack Russell Terrier, is now terrified of other dogs.

Mr Davies said the council admitted in a letter to him it cannot enforce park bylaws because it does have enough resources.

But he said this was an infringement of his civil liberties and insisted he had the right to use public parks without worrying about his dog being attacked.

He has contacted several legal firms to take his case further and is prepared to fund any legal action.

He added: "As a tax payer, I should be able to walk in the park without fear."

Kenny Boyle, the council's parks, transport and environment manager, said: "We are very keen to identify those responsible for these attacks.

"People need to keep their dogs under control in any park. While most pet owners are sensible and abide by the rules we will not think twice about excluding those who do not.

"We want to make sure parks are pleasant for everyone to enjoy."