Dave Joyce National Health, Safety& Environment Officer reports on the latest tragedy involving a dog and unresponsible owner:
On Saturday morning, 20 June, a three week old baby boy was killed by dog inside a house in Falkland Road, Sunderland. Northumbria Police said a 30-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident and the investigation continues.
It remains to be seen as to whether charges will be brought under the amended Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which now applies on private property. The dog owner is thought to be the victim's Father.
The Health, Safety and Environment Department contacted the Area Safety Rep immediately after the news broke to ensure there were no issues or risks to CWU members in the area and to remind the Delivery Office members concerned to maintain
WRAP and Walk Logs, identifying dog hazards wherever possible, as well as remaining vigilant at all times and taking no risks if confronted with problem dogs.
The address where the tragic fatality occurred, the dog is one that is known to the Delivery Office and duty holder. Staff members had not experienced problems with the dog, a Patterdale Terrier, which is normally kept in an area at the back of the house and not normally seen by Royal Mail delivery staff.
On behalf of the CWU and as lead officer on the Union's 'Bite-Back' campaign which successfully brought about significant changes and resulted in tougher Dangerous Dogs Laws across the UK I have issued the following statement as a press release:-
"This is another tragic loss of a young life and CWU sends condolences to the family and friends of Reggie Blacklin. The family have our deepest sympathies on the death of this very young child and our hearts go out to them at this time of sorrow. I was deeply saddened to hear the news of yet another child losing their life in a dog attack.
This is the 30th dog attack death in the UK, 17 of them children and 13 Adults. 27 of the deaths occurring since 2005, indicating the growing problem of dog control and this is a terrible milestone to be reached.
This latest fatal attack highlights again the danger posed by dogs and the golden rule of never leaving young children alone with dogs, no matter what the bread or type is, or whether the animal has ever shown aggression in the past. Dogs that are understood, well-trained and cared for and kept under control are less likely to cause problems.
There is still work to be done. The government needs to raise public awareness about the need for education and training in good dog ownership skills and the need to tackle irresponsible dog ownership. The new laws are now in place to provide a powerful deterrent, if effectively enforced. The government needs to focus on ensuring there's sufficient enforcement resources for prevention and effective, consistent enforcement of the law, clamping down on irresponsible dog owners.
Dog owners must keep their dogs under control. Police and local authorities now have new powers to deal with irresponsible dog owners and dangerous dogs. What is needed now is sufficient resources put into Dog Warden and Police services to enforce both preventative action as well as prosecutions - not until more people are brought before the Courts will the public realise that they can't excuse themselves of their responsibilities if they own dangerous dogs which they fail to control.
However that alone won't deal with the problem. There also needs to be increased public awareness about the requirements of good dog ownership, training and education and people need to know what happens to those who don't do the right thing.
Too many children and members of the public have also lost lives and numbers keep increasing. How many more lives must be lost before effective action is taken?"
The Sunderland death is another tragic loss of a life and CWU sends condolences to the family and friends of the victim. It highlights again the danger posed by dogs and the need to tackle irresponsible ownership."
CWU campaigned for seven years to secure changes to the Dangerous Dog Act, during which time 30,000 postal workers were attacked by dogs, some suffering serious and near-fatal injuries.
The Union's Bite-Back campaign was supported by Animal Charities, the Police, Trade Unions, employers, vets, medics and dog trainers.
3000 Postal Workers are attacked and injured by dogs every year.
The CWU 'Bite-Back' Campaign achieved the introduction of new Dog Control Laws in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, extending the law to apply on private property introducing tougher sentences, dog control orders and extended police powers.
Royal Mail and the CWU will be running a National Dog Awareness Week from Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July 2015.
Source: Dave Joyce / LTB404/15 /Daily Mirror
