Dangerous dogs No 10 petition live

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A broad range of organisations - from the Police Federation to the RSPCA and our own CWU - have launched a Downing Street Petition aimed at winning a government commitment to announce new dog laws in the next Queen's Speech.

Sign the petition now at: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22631" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Next spring, Her Majesty sets out the Government's priority legislative programme for the forthcoming Parliamentary session and 'Bite-back' campaigners want to ensure that legal protections for public-service workers are kept high on the political agenda.

Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, is urging all CWU members, their family and friends to sign the petition. "The new Downing Street e-petition system means that, if we can get over 100,000 signatures, then the issue has to be debated in Parliament" he explained.

"Our Bite Back campaign has done wonders in boosting the profile of this problem which affects so many of our members who have to go on private property to deliver mail or fix and fit broadband lines in the course of their jobs and who are currently left at risk by inadequate laws. There's consensus about what needs to be done, we now need the government to act!"

0CWU national health, safety and environment officer Dave Joyce added: "If we can win a full Parliamentary debate, then that'll raise pressure to get the legislation we need included in the Queen's Speech.

"Tens of thousands of workers are left at risk of irresponsible dog owners and that has to change. It's not just postmen and women who are affected, it's midwives, meter readers, home helps as well as children who so often end up suffering dog attacks. There are positive things we can do to change this and protect people with some simple legislation. I urge everyone to sign the petition now."

Some 6,000 postal workers and around 400 telecom engineers are attacked by dogs every year, but, due to a loophole in the law, if these attacks take place on private land, often no prosecution can take place.

Tony Rupa¸ Head of CWU Legal Services, explained: "Dog attacks are one the biggest hazards facing our members and in too many cases the law means there is very little legal redress for victims. I'm strongly urging all our members to sign this petition to get better protection for workers who suffer dog attacks."

The CWU has been campaigning for many years for new laws to close this loophole, to protect members and all other workers who have to enter private premises during the course of their duties.

Last year, Prime Minister David Cameron wrote to Dave Joyce promising to bring in the necessary legislation, but, a year and a half after taking office, no new laws have yet been introduced.

"We've got to keep this issue at the top of our politicians' minds," continued Dave. "Please go to http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22631and" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; sign up. ask family and friends to support to and send the details on.

"This is a chance to make a difference - let's take it."