Government consults on dangerous dogs

The CWU postal workers’ union has welcomed the launch of a government consultation to strengthen the law on dangerous dogs.

Among the new laws being considered are the introduction of Dog Control Notices (or dog “ASBOs”) and compulsory micro-chipping for dogs. Initially, the government also proposed compulsory third-party insurance which would enable dogs and their owners to be traced more easily, but this was dropped from the consultation. The goverment review is also looking at extending the law to cover attacks on private property as well as in public places.

CWU health, safety and environment officer Dave Joyce commented: “The government’s announcement is a major breakthrough that comes after a long battle to change the law and the public perception of the serious problem faced by postal workers who suffer thousands of dog attacks every year without protection from the law.”