Post union demands dog attack law

Some workers have been seriously injured, says the CWU

A trade union is pressing for a change in the law to help reduce the number of dog attacks on postal delivery staff.

The Communication Workers Union said up to 6,000 out of 70,000 staff were attacked each year, some seriously.

Its leaders said the Dangerous Dogs Act offered no protection, arguing it is impossible to prosecute owners of dogs that attacked on private land.

But Defra said: "Better enforcement of the existing law will reduce the number of incidents."

According to the CWU, the problem peaks during the summer months, often because children at home during summer holidays allow pet dogs to accompany them to the front door.

It has cited one postman whose face was badly injured and another who had his legs savaged by two animals.

Union leaders want tighter laws up to prevent owners avoiding prosecution and allow more control orders to be made.

The law requires us to deliver to every single address but it doesn't protect our members from out of control, dangerous and aggressive dogs Dave Joyce CWU

The Dangerous Dogs Act is the most prominent of the various laws that cover dog ownership in the UK.

Under the legislation, a dog classed as being "dangerously out of control in a public place" can be destroyed. The owner can be fined and imprisoned for up to six months.

If a dog injures someone, the owner can be jailed for up to two years.

However, this only applies when a dog attacks someone in a public place, not on private land.

Dave Joyce, of the CWU, said: "The law requires us to deliver to every single address but it doesn't protect our members from out of control, dangerous and aggressive dogs."

'Better enforcement'

The union also said it was calling on the government to bring in stricter sentencing for dog owners convicted of offences.

However, a Defra spokesman said the department had consulted with police forces in England and Wales last year.

"As a result of this consultation the government's view is that the legislation in place is both proportionate and robust enough to deal with dogs that are dangerous or pose a threat. There are no plans to change the law."

Instead, Defra called for "better enforcement and understanding of the law".

'Serious' problem

Postman Paul Coleman was attacked at Christmas by two dogs that dragged him about 15ft (4.6m) to a road.

Legal action could be taken because the attack took place on public land and the owner was jailed for four months. Mr Coleman has yet to return to work because of his injuries.

Frank Hogan, of Royal Mail, said workers are trained in how to behave near aggressive dogs to reduce the chances of an attack.

He also appealed to the public to keep dogs in back gardens as a precautionary measure.