CWU Calls For Tougher Laws For Dog Attacks

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.4rfv.co.uk/nationalnews.asp?id=150118" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The government will be accused today of endangering lives by failing to act on dangerous dogs.

The postal workers trade union, Communication Workers Union (CWU), will tell MPs that while laws have been changed in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, in England the government continues to “drag its heels”, despite an increase in dog attacks.

The CWU wants to highlight that most dog attacks on postal workers take place on private property, where existing laws do not apply.

"We want a package of better laws – extended to private property, judging a dog's behaviour not just breed, and bringing in compulsory microchipping,” the union's safety officer, Dave Joyce, said.

Adding: "We also need better enforcement of these laws, by giving more power and support to police and dog wardens. These changes would deal with offences and act as a deterrent, and help to change the behaviour of dog owners.

"Finally, we're very concerned about changes to the criminal injuries compensation scheme which will exclude dog-attack victims from receiving compensation.

"These most vulnerable people have nowhere else to turn, since the scheme only caters for those who cannot get compensation through prosecution – because the dog owner is insolvent for example – and this cut will leave injured victims struggling to cope."

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Postal workers' union to urge government action on dangerous dogs

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/sep/0 ... sfeed=true" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The government has been 'dragging its feet' despite the rise in savage dog attacks, says CWU



The postal workers' trade union will today accuse the government of endangering lives by failing to take action on dangerous dogs.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) will tell MPs that laws have been changed in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with legislation planned in Wales later this year.

But, according to the union, the government has been "dragging its feet" in England, despite an increase in savage dog attacks.

The CWU has pointed out that most dog attacks on postal workers take place on private property, where the law does not apply.

Dave Joyce, the union's safety officer, will tell the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee that urgent action is needed to rescue "failing" laws on dogs.

He said: "We want a package of better laws – extended to private property, judging a dog's behaviour not just breed, and bringing in compulsory microchipping.

"We also need better enforcement of these laws, by giving more power and support to police and dog wardens. These changes would deal with offences and act as a deterrent, and help to change the behaviour of dog owners.

"Finally, we're very concerned about changes to the criminal injuries compensation scheme which will exclude dog-attack victims from receiving compensation.

"These most vulnerable people have nowhere else to turn, since the scheme only caters for those who cannot get compensation through prosecution – because the dog owner is insolvent for example – and this cut will leave injured victims struggling to cope."

The CWU estimated that up to 5,000 postal workers and 400 telecom engineers are attacked by dogs each year.

Officials complained that the government had merely launched a consultation earlier this year on dangerous dogs laws, rather than taking firmer action.

[not me]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-e ... e-19506866" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;