Dangerous Dogs Act should be amended to protect workers at risk of attack from dogs, say Trade Unions
David Woods, 03 July 2009
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Trade Unions have called for better protection for employees working with dogs.
Unison and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have called for the Dangerous Dogs Act to be amended and strengthened to protect nurses, utilities workers, postal staff and policemen, who are vulnerable to attack by dogs.
The calls come after Angela Smith MP recommended changing the Act to allow these workers a legal right to pursue damages if a dog injures them.
Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, said: ??"Angela Smith's Bill comes not a moment too soon. The Dangerous Dogs laws in the UK currently leave thousands of postal workers at risk from debilitating dog attacks with no legal right to pursue damages or to have action taken against dangerous dogs and their owners.
"Around 6,000 postal workers are attacked by dogs every year with 70% attacked on private property where the Dangerous Dogs Act doesn't apply and the owners are therefore not prosecuted. Postmen and women cannot therefore be awarded compensation under he Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act. If a person wishes to own an animal, particularly a dog, then they have a duty to ensure that it doesn't cause personal injury and damage."
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