MPs back call for dog law reform
14th December 2011
Dozens of MPs came out of the House of Commons this morning to
show their support for the ever-widening campaign for new laws
controlling dangerous dogs.
Some 20* organisations - including the CWU, RSPCA, Police
Federation and many others - are
behind this initiative, which sets out a six-point plan
for a new Bill tackling this growing social hazard in the interests
of public-service workers, the welfare of the animals themselves
and the safety of society as a whole.
The key aims of the proposed reform are to address the weaknesses
of existing law - creating an effective and enforceable dog control
system, new powers of prevention and intervention for police and
local authorities, a "deed not breed" approach to dogs,
real penalties for irresponsible owners, encouragement of
responsible owners and, crucially for the CWU, the extension of the
law to cover all attacks on private property.
On a bitterly cold morning, representatives of all the
supporting groups stood together bearing the message: "Put dog
law reform on your Xmas list," urging Members of Parliament to
do all they can to get the issue included in the forthcoming
Queen's Speech.
Representing frontline CWU members, safety reps Dominic
Beck and Alan Godden agreed that events
like today's played an important role in highlighting the
subject.
"It's great to see so many other organisations backing the
campaign for change," said Dominic, from South West London
Postal Branch, and Greater London Combined Alan added: "We
need a change in the law and I hope the MPs here will take that
message back to the others."
CWU national health, safety and environment officer
Dave Joyce said: "This morning showed that
the call for dog law reform is supported by organisations and
individuals right across society - and by MPs on all sides of the
House.
"What's needed now is for our politicians to take that
strong public support and turn it into serious political action.
"Last year, Prime Minister David Cameron wrote to me and
assured us that he supports extending dangerous dog laws to cover
private property.
"Mr Cameron, please remember your promise and include a new
Dog Control Bill in the next Queen's Speech."
CWU general secretary Billy Hayes
said: "The law needs more teeth. We want dog owners to be more
responsible to prevent attacks.
"With 70 per cent of attacks on postal workers taking place
on private property where the law doesn't apply, there's
little protection or compensation. Our members have received
injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to having their fingers
bitten off."
Sign the e-petition now to force a House of Commons debate and put pressure on the Government to deliver on its assurances to overhaul dog laws and bring forward new legislation in the Queen's Speech.
For more information on the campaign visit Dangerous Dogs - Bite Back.
*Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Blue Cross, BSAVA, BT, CWU, Dogs
Trust, GMB, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, IIRSM, Kennel
Club, National Dog Wardens Association, Police Federation,
Prospect, Royal Mail Group, RCVS, RSPCA, UNISON, USDAW, Unite and
Wood Green, the Animals Charity.
Marcel, a greying staffie, is a stray who was found a
month ago on a street in Islington. He is currently being housed at
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home hoping to find a loving new home in
the New Year. As a 'staffie' he has a bad rap but, says
Rob (pictured with him) from Battersea Dogs and
Cats Home: "We want an end to breed-specific legislation, look
at Marcel - we've had him a month and he's such a gentle
dog."
If you think Marcel would make a welcome addition to your home
this Christmas why not contact the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
