CWU says government can't afford to ignore dogs laws

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is among twenty animal charities, enforcement agencies and trade unions calling on the government to change dangerous dogs laws.

Among CWU membership, 6,000 postal workers and 400 telecom engineers are attacked by out of control dogs every year and very few are able to bring a successful prosecution. The union is calling on the government for dog control legislation reform to be taken forward in a government Dog Control Bill in next year's Queen's Speech.

Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, said: “Our members, along with thousands of members of the public, are suffering because of outdated laws on dangerous dogs. The government must listen to the expert organisations which have all agreed a better way forward on responsible dog ownership. It's time the government brought forward some positive legislation to protect working people and this is it.”

Dave Joyce, CWU national health, safety and environment officer, who has spearheaded the union's 'Bite-Back' campaign, said: “Dangerous dogs are an occupational hazard for many of our members with 6,000 attacks on postal workers and over 400 attacks on telecom engineers each year.

“In the last few years many of our members suffered horrific attacks; two in Cambridge and Sheffield resulted in both postmen nearly losing limbs and needing ongoing medical treatment. In most cases it's the irresponsibility of owners which lead to their terrible injuries in the course of their job. Many of our members remain both physically and psychologically scarred as a result of their experience with dangerous dogs and over 70 per cent of attacks cannot result in a prosecution under the current law.

“We want the out-dated laws to be made fit for purpose and brought in line with the new laws introduced in Scotland and Northern Ireland this year. We want responsible dog ownership which helps prevent horrific attacks taking place, whether on postal workers or small children. Where attacks do still occur, it's vital the new laws suitably identify and hold owners to account. Victims of dog attacks have been let down for too long.”

Read the joint brief - signed by the RSPCA, Police Federation, Royal College of Nursing and others - attached or at: www.cwu.org