 |
 |
|
CWU Renews Call For Tougher New Dog Laws The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has today renewed calls for tougher new dog laws after an 11 month-old baby girl died after being attacked by a dog. Over 26, 000 postal workers have been attacked and injured by dogs in the last six years and the CWU’s successful ‘Bite Back’ campaign, supported by all animal welfare charities, the police, vets, dog wardens and trainers has won the introduction of new dog control laws in Scotland and Northern Ireland. A bill to amend the Dangerous Dogs Act in England and Wales that increases sentences is due to be completed through the House of Parliament and passed into law later this year.
Dog control laws in England and Wales are rightly being strengthened later this year. Current arrangements are simply not good enough and the punishments do not fit the crimes. Irresponsible dog ownership can result in death, serious injury and distress and must be tackled. The new laws will have to be rigorous as there is a need to take a hard line with offenders and deliver tougher sentences. The number of deaths and serious injuries from dog attacks is spiralling and society cannot allow this to continue. Along with tough law enforcement we need a national dog ownership education and training programme for dog owners supported by all stakeholders and led by the Government.” A golden rule is that you should never leave young children alone with a dog regardless of its size and breed - any type of dog can show aggression and can do the unexpected. These are the circumstances under which most of these tragedies occur. Source: CWU |
 |
Dave Joyce, CWU national health and safety and environment officer, spearheaded the union’s ‘Bite Back’ campaign, and expressed the union’s deepest sympathy for the family of the baby girl who tragically died: