Legislation needed to protect workers from dangerous dogs

Animal charities, enforcement agencies and trade unions have joined forces to call on the government to change dangerous dogs laws. The group is calling for dog control legislation reform to be taken forward in a government Dog Control Bill in next year's Queen's Speech.

Dave Joyce, CWU national health, safety and environment officer, who has spearheaded the union's own '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.

"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. Where attacks do still occur, it's vital the new laws suitably identify and hold owners to account."