Dog owners who allow pets to attack people who call at their homes face a police crackdown after a recent change in the law.
A loophole previously meant that legal protection against those who allow a dog to be dangerously out of control stopped at the owner’s garden gate.
However, following a successful campaign by Royal Mail, whose staff are among the most vulnerable to attacks, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was updated from May 2014 to cover both public and private places.
Now, five police forces have promised to investigate all dog bites on private property during a six-month pilot before the policy is extended to all forces.
Royal Mail says there are around 3,000 dog attacks on posties each year, some leading to permanent, life-changing injuries.
There is already evidence that the new law – which also includes tougher penalties for irresponsible dog owners – is having an effect.
Figures from the National Police Chief’s Council show that the number of cases taken to court between June and December 2014 increased by 62% and successful prosecutions increased by 71%.
As well as postal workers, healthcare professionals, sales reps and political canvassers are among those at risk from dog attacks.
The Communications Workers Union says seven out of ten of dog attacks on its members occur on the owner’s private property.
“It is so important for the safety of all postmen and women that dog owners ensure their animals are secure, particularly if opening the door to sign for a parcel or letter,” said the union’s Dave Joyce. “Owners should put their dog in another room before opening the door. If it’s in the back garden, ensure it is contained and can’t get round to the front of the house.
“Customers can fit a letterbox cage to protect their mail and postmen’s fingers or fit a secure outside mail box on the edge of their property to avoid any confrontations.”
Shaun Davis, of the Royal Mail, added: “Eight postmen and women are still attacked every day and this pilot is another step in the evolution of our approach in trying to keep our people safe at work.
“The welfare and safety of our people is our first priority. We are only too aware of the life-changing physical and psychological injuries that can be sustained from dog attacks.”
Official figures show the Teesside, Durham and Darlington area has one of Britain’s highest rates of dog attacks.
While she welcomed the new initiative, Rebecca Montague, a personal injury specialist at Macks Solicitors, said further reforms are needed in this area.
“It’s encouraging to see the government has widened the criminal sanctions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to include private premises,” she said.
“Now I’d like to see changes made to the badly drafted Animals Act 1971, which dictates when victims of dog attacks can claim compensation for their injuries.
“As it stands, they must show that the animals had previously behaved aggressively and that the owner knew this.
“As long as that remains the case, our clients will continue to face an uphill struggle to obtain the compensation they deserve.”
Macks Solicitors’ compensation lawyers have unrivalled experience of dog bite claims. They understand how attacks can have a psychological impact on the victim, as well as causing physical injuries. Contact us on 01642 252 828.
