Tougher dogs sentencing needed to tackle offences

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The CWU welcomes today's consultation on sentencing guidelines for dangerous dogs offences and says that stronger penalties and greater consistency are needed to tackle the offences. CWU also says that the risk of dog attacks on postal workers is growing as more parcels and signed-for items lead to front doors being opened.

Dave Joyce Dave Joyce, CWU health and safety officer, said: "Through the CWU's Bite Back campaign we suggested that penalties for dangerous dogs offences be toughened and brought in line with those for dangerous driving. We're pleased to see these in the proposed sentencing guidelines. These are far more appropriate for the serious nature of these crimes.

"Dog attacks remain worringly high...Greater awareness and precautions are desperately needed"
Dave Joyce, CWU health and safety officer

"We also need to see greater consistency in sentencing as there are stark differences across the country which new guidelines will hopefully help level out.
"Dog attacks remain worryingly high and we're still seeing 3,000 dog attacks on postal workers every year. The risk is increasing as the number of parcels and signed-for items increases and customers open their doors to postal workers. Greater awareness and precautions are desperately needed."

Billy Hayes 2010 Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, added: "Dog attacks remain a serious occupational hazard for our members and more needs to be done to raise awareness and tackle irresponsible dog owners. The government mustn't take its eyes off this danger area. It's important that consistent, tougher penalties and guidelines are introduced and enforced countrywide."

CWU launched its Bite Back campaign in 2008 following two especially vicious attacks on postal workers, both of whom almost lost limbs. Attacks on postal workers have fallen from around 5,000 attacks a year in that period to just over 3,000 attacks a year more recently. CWU and Royal Mail jointly promote Dog Awareness Week which takes place in the run up to the school summer holidays.