CWU Demands Dog Attack Protection Law

The postal workers' union is pressing for a change in the law to help reduce the number of dog attacks on delivery staff. CWU said up to 6,000 out of 70,000 staff were attacked each year, some seriously.

The union says the Dangerous Dogs Act is not offering protection, because of extreme difficulties prosecuting owners of dogs that attack on private land. According to CWU, the problem peaks during the summer months, often because children at home during the holidays allow pet dogs to accompany them to the front door. It wants tighter laws to prevent owners avoiding prosecution and to allow more control orders to be made.

CWU national health and safety officer Dave Joyce said: 'The law requires us to deliver to every single address but it doesn't protect our members from out of control, dangerous and aggressive dogs.' He said the union is also calling on the government to bring in stricter sentencing for dog owners convicted of offences.

However, a Defra spokesperson said: "There are no plans to change the law," adding: "Better enforcement of the existing law will reduce the number of incidents."

Postal worker Paul Coleman was attacked at Christmas by two dogs that dragged him about 15ft (4.6m) to a road. Legal action was possible because the attack took place on public land and the owner was jailed for four months.

Mr Coleman has yet to return to work because of his injuries.

Source: TUC Risks

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