Tougher Dangerous Dogs Sentencing Needed To Tackle Offences

The Communication Workers Union has welcomes the publication of the Sentencing Council’s public consultation on sentencing guidelines for dangerous dogs offences and says that stronger penalties and greater consistency in sentencing by the courts are needed to tackle these offences.

The CWU also says that the risk of dog attacks on postal workers is increasing as growing numbers of parcels and signed-for items which lead to more occasion on which front doors are being opened to collect the items and dogs escaping where the owners haven’t secured their dogs.

Dave Joyce, CWU health and safety officer, who spearheaded the Union’s successful ‘Bite-Back’ campaign for new Dangerous Dogs Laws said:

“Through the CWU’s ‘Bite Back’ campaign we suggested that penalties for dangerous dogs offences be toughened and brought in line with those for dangerous driving which the government agreed to. We’re pleased to see these now set out in the new proposed sentencing guidelines for courts to follow. These are far more appropriate for the serious nature of dog related crimes.

We also need to see greater consistency in sentencing as there are stark differences across the country which new guidelines will hopefully help level out.Dog attacks remain worryingly high and we’re still seeing 3,000 dog attacks on postal workers every year. Greater awareness and precautions are desperately needed.

Dog attacks remain a serious occupational hazard for our members and more needs to be done to raise awareness and tackle irresponsible dog owners. The government mustn’t take its eyes off this danger area. It’s important that consistent, tougher penalties and guidelines are introduced and enforced countrywide.”

CWU launched its Bite Back campaign in 2008 following two especially vicious attacks on postal workers, both of whom almost lost limbs and were nearly killed in attacks in Sheffield and Cambridge. Attacks on postal workers have fallen from around 6,000 attacks a year in that period to just over 3,000 attacks a year more recently as a result of joint efforts by the CWU and Royal Mail through a risk assessment process, staff training and zero tolerance approach.

The CWU and Royal Mail also jointly promote National Dog Awareness Week which takes place in the run up to the school summer holidays and is a high profile customer awareness initiative in promoting better dog control and responsible ownership.

The Communication Workers' Union has "campaigned tirelessly for many years" to get the dangerous dogs legislation amended and gained the support of Royal Mail, Police, Guide Dogs, Animal Charities, Vets, dog trainers, dog wardens, victims families, politicians and many others.The CWU will be making a detailed response to the consultation in due course.

Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, added:

“Dog attacks remain a serious occupational hazard for our members and more needs to be done to raise awareness and tackle irresponsible dog owners. The government mustn’t take its eyes off this danger area. It’s important that consistent, tougher penalties and guidelines are introduced and enforced countrywide.”

Source: Dave Joyce / CWU

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