LTB 149/12 Dog attacks on Guide Dogs and Owners: CWU "Bite-B

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02 March 2012
LTB 149/12 Dog attacks on Guide Dogs and Owners: CWU "Bite-Back Campaign"

No. 149/12
Ref P18/12
Date: 2 March 2012









Dog attacks on Guide Dogs and Owners: CWU "Bite-Back Campaign"

The CWU Health Safety & Environment Department has received a report from one of our 'Bite-Back' campaigning organisation partners which is the Guide Dogs for the Blind Charity which I know everyone in the CWU will appreciate does a fantastic job. The short update report below is being circulated for Branches information.

The CWU Health Safety & Environment Department has received a report from one of our 'Bite-Back' campaigning organisation partners which is the Guide Dogs for the Blind Charity which I know everyone in the CWU will appreciate does a fantastic job. The short update report below is being circulated for Branches information.

Dog attacks are of great concern to the organisation and to guide dog owners. The number of guide dog owners who are reporting dog attacks on their guide dogs is increasing. Their latest research shows the number of reported attacks on guide dogs has risen from three a month to over seven dog attacks a month within a 14 month period to August 2011.
In most cases the causes of the attack was unprovoked and where the aggressor dog was uncontrolled and off the lead.
The breed type responsible for the largest proportion of dog attacks were Bull breeds, who were responsible for nearly a third of all reported attacks (28%). A large proportion of the attacks occurred when the owner was present.


Proportionately more Labradors were attacked and the majority of victim dogs were black male dogs, 51.4%.
Dog attacks can have a devastating impact on both people and animals. So far three guide dogs have been permanently withdrawn and another two other are currently being assessed to see if they are able to continue working as Guide Dogs. The other major impact is that blind & partially sighted people are left without a guide dog, which is their mobility aid and become housebound until another suitable dog can be matched up.


Some guide dog owners have been left too frightened to go out as a result of the attack and one wanted to move house. This was due to the response of the owners of the attacking dog, who in some cases used verbal abuse against blind & partially sighted people, some appeared to be under the influence of drink or drugs and in one case the owner of an aggressive dog laughed at a guide dog owner during an attack on his guide dog.


71% of people involved in incidents thought that the attacks could have been prevented, just through awareness and proper control of their dogs.


Responsible ownership, training and compulsory microchipping would all help reduce the incidents of dog attacks and we urge the government to consider the welfare implications of such attacks and introduce compulsory microchipping without delay.


What Are The Issues?
As a result of the attacks many guide dogs needed veterinary care. In one in five cases, either the handler or a member of the public sustained injuries, including scratching, bruising, and bites to the hands, ankle or head. In eight of these 19 cases, medical attention was required.


An attack can lead to a vulnerable person being left alone with an injured dog and in need of assistance or medical care. If veterninary treatment is needed the guide dog owner may be without a guide dog for a period of time while the dog recovers.


As well as the trauma experienced by the dog and/or the owner, the costs of veterinary care have financial implications for Guide Dogs. As the Charity they rely on the generosity of the general public to fund their activities and are concerned that some of their valued donations have to be spent on dealing with the aftermath of dog attacks. If the guide dog has to be retired prematurely then the economic consequences are even more serious and the impact on the quality of life and mobility of the guide dog owner is undermined while they wait for a suitable replacement dog.


While the Charity wants to see effective measures to address the issue, they would concerned if restrictions on dogs in public places led to parks and open spaces being designated only for "dogs on leads". Such a restriction would impact on the majority of responsible dog owners, but it would also impact on guide dog owners in particular who need to have a good choice of open space to be able to free run their dogs, as well being able to use accessible spaces.


The CWU is supporting Guide Dogs in their call to make dog on guide dog attacks of this nature an offence under any new law.


Yours Sincerely


Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer