Alison McGovern: posties set to bite back

Aug 8 2012 Bromborough and Bebington News

ATTACKS by dangerous dogs are sadly far too common a problem in our country, with postal workers often the victims.

This is why the Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents many Royal Mail staff, are calling for the Dangerous Dogs Act to be extended to private properties.

It estimates that 5,000 postmen and women suffer injuries caused by domestic pet attacks each year. In two cases last year, postmen lost limbs.

Current laws fail to protect people from dog attacks on private property (where 70% of attacks occur) and leave people vulnerable.

For example, if a dog were to attack a postman or woman as they were posting a letter, the postal worker would not be protected by the law after the event. The CWU has therefore launched a campaign to “Bite Back” and make the laws on dangerous dogs stricter.

It is not only the CWU who want dangerous dog laws to be changed; the campaign now has the backing of the RSPCA, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Association of Chief Police Officers, Dog Wardens Association, Kennel Club, Dogs Trust and others to lobby for changes to the law.

The Bite Back Campaign wants the Government to introduce UK-wide laws to prevent dog attacks on people and ensure these laws also apply to private property.

Before the election, David Cameron wrote that he would “support extending the Dangerous Dogs law to cover all places including private property” and in June this year the Government concluded a public consultation on existing legislation of dangerous dogs. But despite several requests, the Government has thus far failed to update us on the outcome of that consultation.

It is really important to back the CWU’s proposed laws to reduce the number of dog attacks on children, the elderly and others across the country. Show your support at www.cwu.org/52212/support-the-campaign.html