A new safety campaign by the Communication Workers Union aimed at preventing dog attacks on postal workers has been backed by Islwyn MP Chris Evans.
The campaign is aimed at dog owners to be more responsible over the school summer holidays – a time when dog attacks on postmen and woman increase.
The Communication Workers Union is calling on dog owners to keep an eye on their dogs over the summer months as parents and children spend more time at home.
Mr Evans, himself a victim of a dog attack, has previously called on the UK Government to tackle dangerous dogs by introducing compulsory microchipping and a national database of dogs and their owners.
He said: “Postal workers face dog attacks on a daily basis and during the summer months the risk to them increases as households are busy with parents and children and dogs wander around.
“During the summer holidays I hope people throughout Islwyn will ensure their dogs are not left unsupervised in the garden or on the street and make an effort to keep dogs indoors when post is delivered.”
Recent plans to legislate against the problem here in Wales by the Welsh Government have been backed by the CWU.
Wales action on dangerous dogs welcomed
First Minister Carwyn Jones announced in his Legislative Statement on July 17 that action on dangerous dogs was a priority for the Welsh Government and that a Bill would be introduced next spring.
Dave Joyce, CWU health, safety and environment officer, said: “It’s fantastic news that the Welsh Government is taking the issue of dangerous dogs seriously and making clear commitments to improve responsible dog ownership in Wales.
“Hundreds of postal workers, telecom engineers and other workers – not to mention small children – are attacked by dogs in Wales every year. The injuries can be very serious but taking some simple steps – such as microchipping, extending the law to private property and tackling dog behaviour not just breeds – would make a huge difference.
“We fully support the Welsh Government’s commitments and hope that domestic legislation can be introduced swiftly, as it was in Scotland and Northern Ireland, to address the shocking problem of dangerous dogs.”