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Barking Mad – ITV shines light on dangerous dogs

27th June 2012

Last night's ITV Tonight show, 'Barking Mad', explored the issue of dangerous dogs. Featuring interviews with CWU health and safety officer Dave Joyce and CWU member Paul Coleman who was attacked by a dog whilst on his delivery in 2007, the programme highlighted the fatal consequences of laws that just don't work.

With dog attacks on the increase, journalist Jonathan Maitland, looked at how attacks by dangerous dogs have reached record levels in the UK, highlighted by the recent shocking case of a two-year-old boy who received serious head injuries when he was attacked by his neighbour's dog and the tragic case of John Paul Massey, a four-year old killed by his uncle's dog.

Campaigners, including the CWU, are now demanding swift action from the government, and the programme explored the shortfalls of the current legislation (Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991) and the dilemma of what can be done to stop the problem without punishing millions of responsible dog owners?

CWU's Bite-Back campaign drew the attention of producer Bob Jefford and the ITV team leading to some close work in producing the programme. Jonathan Maitland and his team followed CWU's Dave Joyce to Wales on the Bite-Back campaign trail to an event where the support of the Welsh Assembly to effect changes to the law was achieved.

Dave Joyce said: "We all hope that the Tonight Programme will help to boost awareness of the problem which dangerous dogs and irresponsible owners cause every day and increase pressure on the government to take action. We desperately need new laws to tackle the ongoing and worsening problems of dangerous dogs. 6,000 postal workers are attacked every year and dozens of small children have been horrifically injured or even killed in recent years. This has to stop."

If you missed the programme you can catch the repeat on Fri 29 Jun at 2:30am on ITV1, UTV.

For more information about the CWU's campaign visit our Dangerous Dogs - Bite Back pages.