Newport AM John Griffiths' bid to close dog attack loophole

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WELSH minister is proposing to make dog attacks illegal on private property in Wales.

John Griffiths, AM for Newport East and the environment minister, says the move will shut a loophole to offer more protection to people like postmen on private property.

The Control of Dogs (Wales) Bill, launched by Mr Griffiths at Newport RSPCA centre, would also allow councils to put notices on dog owners that could ban their dogs from parks and roads.

If the draft bill, now under consultation until March 1, is passed by the National Assembly for Wales, it will answer calls from campaign groups for more protection for people like postmen, plumbers, health workers and others.

Currently, under The Dangerous Dogs Act, it is only an offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control while in a public place.

Under the draft law that act would be amended so that it would be illegal anywhere in Wales, including on private property. Dog Control Notices (DCN) could be imposed by local councils on owners whose dogs are “showing signs of being out of control,” according to the Welsh Government.

When an owner is given a DCN they will be required to take action, such as keeping their dog under control, providing relevant information to their local authority, attending training sessions and only letting their dog out in public if accompanied by someone who is over 16, or if it is muzzled.

It could also impose a restriction on owners to keep their dog away from certain parks and roads altogether.

Breaching a notice could lead to criminal sanction, such as a fine of £1,000.

Mr Griffiths, who himself was bitten by a dog when he was out canvassing around five years ago, said: “Postmen and women alone suffer thousands of dog attacks on an annual basis.

“We are going to close that loophole and offer much more protection on private property.”

It’s hoped the measures will encourage more responsible dog ownership.

Billy Hayes, Communication Workers Union general secretary, said: “It shames Westminster that devolved institutions have taken action on dogs laws while the Government has procrastinated and steadfastly refused to act on the issue of dangerous dogs.”

The proposals were welcomed by Plaid South Wales East AM Jocelyn Davies, who said figures released earlier in the year showed there had been 1,800 dog attacks on postal workers since 2006.

She said: “Everything must be done to protect people in such circumstances.”

Tory South Wales East AM William Graham said the bill should include a micro-chipping element and compulsory register.