LTB217/15 - Woman Dies After Dog Attack in Cardiff - CWU Sta

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LTB217/15 - Woman Dies After Dog Attack in Cardiff - CWU Statement



No. 217/15

Ref P18/15

Date: 31 March 2015

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Woman Dies After Dog Attack in Cardiff - CWU Statement

Background

On Friday, 20 March a 64 years old woman was killed by dog inside a house in the Ely area of Cardiff. A 23 year old was subsequently arrested and has been charged with 2 offences under the amended Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which now applies on private property. The dog owner is thought to be the victim's grandson.

The Health, Safety and Environment Department contacted the Area Safety Rep immediately after the news broke to ensure there were no issues or risks to CWU members in the area and to remind the Delivery Office members concerned to maintain WRAP and Walk Logs, identifying dog hazards wherever possible, as well as remaining vigilant at all times and taking no risks if confronted with problem dogs. The address where the tragic fatality occurred is one that is known to the Delivery Office and duty holder and where a staff member had experienced problems with an American bulldog type animal which had displayed aggression in the past, resulting in the mail not being able to be delivered. However, the dog concerned has not been seen at the address for quite some prior to the recent fatality, approximately 8 months.

Statement

CWU National Health & Safety Officer, Dave Joyce, who led the Unions 'Bite-Back' Campaign which resulted in new tougher Dangerous Dogs Laws across the UK said "This is a yet another tragic incident, which I know will shock and upset the victim's family, the local community and public in general." Dave added "29 people have now been killed in Dog Attacks in the UK - 16 Children and 13 Adults."

The CWU campaigned for seven years to secure changes to the Dangerous Dog Act, during which time 30,000 postal workers were attacked by dogs, some suffering serious and near-fatal injuries. The Union's Bite-Back campaign was supported by Animal Charities, the Police, Trade Unions, employers, vets, medics and dog trainers.

Dave Joyce said "Our campaign closed a huge loophole in the law finally ending the past immunity from prosecution enjoyed by irresponsible dog owners for private property attacks like this one in Cardiff. Additionally, new tougher penalties and prison sentences are now in force - a huge victory for the CWU after seven years of campaigning."

Dave added "However, there is still work to be done. The government needs to focus on ensuring there's sufficient enforcement resources for prevention and effective, consistent enforcement of the law, clamping down on irresponsible dog owners. There also needs to be increased public awareness about the requirements of good dog ownership, training and education and people need to know what happens to those who don't do the right thing."

"Dog owners also need to ensure the safety of workers when carrying out their duties on private land. For too long, postal workers have been subjected to reckless dog ownership leaving them vulnerable at work and unprotected when a dog attack occurred."

"Too many children and members of the public have also lost lives and numbers keep increasing. We've seen some truly terrible incidences where postal workers have been left with life-threatening injuries because of out-of-control dogs. I am delighted that after a long and hard campaign, workers around the country they will now be properly protected in Criminal Law."

Dave Joyce, CWU Health and Safety Officer, added "The Cardiff death is another tragic loss of a life and CWU sends condolences to the family and friends of the victim. It highlights again the danger posed by dogs and the need to tackle irresponsible ownership. How many more lives must be lost before effective action is taken?"

"Dog owners must keep their dogs under control. Police and local authorities now have new powers to deal with irresponsible dog owners and dangerous dogs."

New laws introduced in May as a result of the CWU Bite-Back Campaign can see irresponsible owners of a dangerous dog jailed for up to 14 years and face unlimited fines if their dog kills someone and it now applies on private property as well as in public places.

Dave concluded "What's needed now is sufficient resources put into Dog Warden and Police services to enforce both preventative action as well as prosecutions - not until more people are brought before the Courts will the public realise that they can't excuse themselves of their responsibilities if they own dangerous dogs which they fail to control."

Yours sincerely

DAVE JOYCE
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer