MP’s dangerous dogs call welcomed
15th February 2012
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."
Responding 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.
To get involved please sign the e-petition
and visit our Bite Back
campaign for more information.
