Dog attack deaths will continue without comprehensive overha

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Dog attack deaths will continue without comprehensive overhaul of dangerous dogs laws, says CWU

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Commenting on the deaths of an 83 year old man and 49 year old mother of five following dog attacks, the Communication Workers Union is today (Thursday) calling for urgent changes to dangerous dogs laws.

CWU welcomes signals from the government that they may make microchips compulsory for all dogs, but the union warns that a far more comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the failing of outdated dogs laws. Two postal workers suffered serious dog attacks in the last month in Finchley and Norwich and 6,000 are attacked by dogs every year.

0CWU general secretary Billy Hayes said: "The devastating news of two more deaths from dog attacks should be a wake-up call for the government that change is urgently needed to outdated and failing dogs laws.

"Compulsory microchips must form part of a comprehensive package of measures, as supported by animal charities, enforcement agencies, CWU and businesses. A piecemeal approach will not do. We need a change in the law to happen now. How many more tragedies will have to occur before the Government takes firm action to protect workers, the public and children from dangerous dogs?"

In addition to compulsory microchipping, the CWU wants to see an extension to the law to cover attacks on private land where 70% of attacks on postal workers occur but irresponsible dog owners are immune from prosecution. CWU is also calling for increased police and dog warden powers, the introduction of Dog Control Notices, better enforcement and stiffer court penalties.

0Dave Joyce, CWU health and safety officer, added: "This has gone on far too long. Our campaign has gained the support of both the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly which changed the law in 2011. Lobbying this week at the Welsh Assembly also looks likely to bring changes to laws in Wales - Westminster must stop dragging its feet and act fast before more lives are ruined."

CWU represents postal workers and telecom engineers who suffer more than 6,000 dog attacks each year and has been campaigning for a change in the law since 2008.

In an April 2010 letter, Prime Minister David Cameron gave the CWU an assurance he supported CWU's Bite Back campaign for tougher dangerous dogs laws but has so far failed to bring in the changes promised.

CWU and other organisations have a No 10 Downing Street 0petition calling for Government action on irresponsible dog ownership at. Sign the e-petition now.

Organisations backing the campaign include RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Battersea Dogs Home, Kennel Club, the Police Federation, Association of Chief Police Officers, Royal College of Nursing, vets national bodies, Dog Warden Association, and Royal Mail.