MP's dangerous dogs call welcomed

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The CWU has welcomed Labour MP Huw Irranca-Davies's strong call in Guardian online yesterday (14 February) for the Government to crack down on irresponsible dog ownership urgently.

In a powerful Comment piece, the MP stressed that warm words are not enough and underlined that amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act must focus on irresponsible ownership as well as the dogs, to extend the law to cover private property, to bring in Dog Control Notices, to prevent attacks before they happen, and consider the introduction of microchipping all dogs.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: "It really is time for ministers at Defra to urgently address this issue which is concerning so many people across England and Wales. The Northern Ireland assembly and the Scottish parliament have already acted, showing that a government that really wants to can act decisively on this issue."

0Responding to the piece, CWU general secretary Billy Hayes said: "Huw Irranca-Davies' CIF piece on dangerous dogs goes to the heart of the problem - inaction by government to take this issue seriously. Thousands of people of all ages are being attacked by dogs every year as irresponsible dog ownership appears to be on the rise. Our members - in particular postmen and women - suffer debilitating injuries at the teeth of dogs and far too often the law prevents prosecution or compensation.

"As Huw mentions, we are working closely with a range of stakeholders from animal charities to enforcement agencies. We are agreed on what needs to happen to make a positive change. Politicians are behind us and there is cross-party support for reforms. This should be a no-brainer for the government so why on earth has nothing happened since the consultation back in June 2010?

"Action is urgently needed. It must address the range of issues we and our partners have identified - microchipping alone will not do."

Eight people have been killed by dogs in the last four years - six of them children - while another 197 people have been seriously injured in dog-related incidents in the last four years. 6,000 postal workers are attacked every year while delivering the country's post.

Read Huw's article and Billy's comment in full on Billy's blog.

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