CWU Celebrates Success Of Dangerous Dogs Law Change Campaign That Makes
Postmen And Postwomen Safer

A new law that will extend the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and see far harsher punishments for owners of dangerous dogs yesterday received Royal Assent.

Amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act in England and Wales, the first in 23 years, will see tougher dog control laws introduced in early May.
 
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) - which represents over 200,000 postal and telecommunication workers - welcomed the news saying it will bring "significant improvements" to the lives of thousands of workers.

The union has led the call for law changes with its 'Bite Back' campaign, supported by all animal welfare charities, the police, vets, dog wardens and dog trainers.

Over 26,000 postal workers have been attacked and injured by dogs in the last six years. Two postmen were nearly killed in savage attacks in 2007 and 2008.
Many others have lost fingers and parts of limbs.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Bill, which includes amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act, will now allow the prosecution of owners for dog attacks on private property.

Irresponsible dog owners will now not only face longer prison sentences for the actions of their animal, theyll also be liable for prosecution regardless of where an attack takes place. New preventative powers for police and local authorities will ensure  they can act early, to help stop dog attacks before they happen.

CWU national health and safety officer, Dave Joyce, who has spearheaded the union's 'Bite-Back' Campaign, welcomed the news:

"I am absolutely delighted that after seven years of hard campaigning the Dangerous Dogs laws will be changed and be introduced in May.

These changes will help to keep thousands of postal workers safer and irresponsible dog owners will be held to account and face far harsher punishments for offences.

This will bring significant improvements to the safety of all workers whose job it is to visit and enter houses and commercial premises where the risk of dog attack is ever present.

Reckless, negligent owners, who previously exploited a legal loophole when their animals attacked and injured postal workers, will no longer be able to escape justice. These new rules mean these owners will be held accountable and face a substantial increase in sentencing penalties. Compulsory microchipping will also help bring about more responsible dog ownership.

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."

Source: CWU

Designed, Hosted and Maintained by Union Safety Services