Government is accused of ‘dragging its heels’ on legislation to protect the public from violent pets
CWU: The union said bans like the one on XL bully dogs were not enough.
By Bill Heaney
Postal workers are calling for a crackdown on irresponsible dog owners and their dangerous pets.
The Communications Workers Union (CWU) accused the Scottish Government of “dragging its heels” and called for urgent reforms and better enforcement.
The union is meeting with ministers on Friday and will demand they abolish the “one free bite rule” which they say offers leniency for first-time offenders.
The CWU said the public, and particularly postal workers, are being put at risk on a daily basis as authorities fail to clamp down on violent dogs.
In January, one postwoman from Oban required plastic surgery following a “brutal” German Shepherd attack.
The CWU wants to see better enforcement from police and the courts as well as measures to hold irresponsible owners to account.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Government introduced an effective ban on XL bullies following a spate of attacks.
New legislation that became active in February means owners are now banned from selling, advertising, gifting, exchanging or abandoning the breed.
What is the Communication Workers Union calling for?
A comprehensive review and strengthening of the law governing dangerous dogs- Improved enforcement by the the police and the courts
- Ensuring that dog owners are held accountable for their pets’ actions
- The abolition of the ‘one free bite’ rule
The CWU described such measures as “tokenistic” and said it was “deeply unsatisfied” with wider efforts to stop violent dogs.
Craig Anderson, Scottish secretary of the CWU, said: “Postal workers deliver vital services to Scotland’s communities, and they deserve protection while carrying out their work.
“The recent attack on Kirsteen Hobson is just one of many cases where irresponsible dog ownership has led to serious injury.
“The time for talk is over; the Scottish Government must take meaningful action to protect our members and the public from dangerous dogs.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government is hosting a responsible dog ownership summit to consider how dog control and dog welfare can be improved.
“We want every dog owner to understand and fulfil their responsibilities.”
Meanwhile, police are appealing for information after an elderly woman and her dog were attacked by a “larger dog” while walking in Duntocher.
The 81-year-old woman and her dog were approached by the animal while walking close to the junction of Beeches Road and Beeches Avenue around 3pm on Thursday, September 19.
The dog is alleged to have attacked the smaller dog and bit the woman on the leg when she attempted to separate the animals.
The pensioner was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment while her dog also needed vet treatment following the attack.
On Thursday, Police Scotland issued this statement: “Following inquiries into a dog attack on Thursday, September 19, 2024, officers have arrested and charged a 65-year-old man in connection with the incident. He has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.”