LTB 815/10 - Dangerous Dogs online petition

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Letter to Branches




No. 815/10
Ref P18
Date: 23 September 2010

To: All Branches
Safety Reps, Safety Forums, Safety Co-ords.


Dear Colleagues
  
Dangerous Dogs online petition - Greater London Authority/RSPCA/Battersea Dogs Home/CWU - "Bite-Back" Campaign:

Last month the Communication Workers Union (CWU) joined representatives from the Greater London Authority (GLA), Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home at the launch of the GLA's petition against dangerous dogs in Battersea Park. Reports went out on TV, Radio and London Newspapers. (Wednesday).

Read report on CWU Website:-

http://www.cwu.org/news/archive/cwu-sup ... aunch.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In the same week, backed by 20 different organisations, including TUC, major Trade Unions (Unite, GMB, Unison, Prospect), Animal Welfare Charities (RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Kennel Club, Guide Dogs For The Blind, PDSA, Blue Cross) Police Federartion, National Dog Wardens Association, British Vets Association and Royal College of Nursing the CWU launched a Joint Statement to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Government calling for significant change to the current dangerous dogs law and action to deal with the issue of dangerous dogs and irresponsible owners.

The Petition Reads:-

"Irresponsible dog ownership and dogs being used as weapons are urgent and worrying issues that blight many neighbourhoods and parks. I back City Hall in calling upon the government to take immediate action to deal with the problem."

We urge branches, particularly those in the London Region to publicise the petition and encourage members to 'sign-up'  on the Greater London Authority web site. (The information supplied will be treated by the GLA in the strictest confidence in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998).

The petition can be signed on the following link:-

http://www.london.gov.uk/webform/danger ... e-petition" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

We are now at a crucial stage in our campaign, having convinced the governments of Scotland and Northern Ireland to change the law, everything now rests on Westminster in relation to Laws in England and Wales. The Laws on dog ownership must be improved, and CWU continues (with our supporting organisations - animal charities, unions and law enforcement agencies) to demand the coalition government act and bring forward legislation that addresses the deficient laws effectively. Around half a million people are bitten or attacked by dogs each year, but there are fewer than 650 convictions annually. 5000 - 6000 CWU members fall victim to dog attacks annually.

Defra launched a consultation in March 2010 to seek "views on whether current legislation relating to dangerous dogs adequately protects the public and encourages responsible dog ownership." The consultation closed in June after receiving thousands of 4,250 responses.
We await the governments decision relating to dangerous dogs legislation after they've analysed the responses. It's crucial therefore to maximise pressure on the government. Please do what you can to get signatures on the petition and bring our "Bite-Back" Campaign objectives to MPs in your areas.

'Bite-Back' Campaign Objectives

The 'Bite-Back' Campaign objectives are to get:
- new UK wide laws, that prevents dog attacks on postal workers, children and others,
- the dog control laws to apply everywhere including private property,
- the introduction of new preventative Dog Control Notices/Orders (DCNs/DCOs)
- new measures to make owners more accountable and responsible for the actions of their dogs,
- better enforcement of the law by the police and local authorities dog wardens,
- harsher sentences by the courts for offending dangerous dog owners,
- compulsory insurance cover for dogs,
- microchipping and licensing of all dogs,
- raise awareness of the serious problem and generate support for the above.


Yours Sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer