A postman from Sheffield who was attacked on his round by two dogs has welcomed the announcement that part of the dangerous dogs act is to be extended. Paul Coleman still bares the scars of when he was set upon by the Staffordshire crosses five years ago.
Both his legs were so badly bitten that he is now registered as disabled. He says the change, which will make it legal to prosecute owners whose animals have attacked people on PRIVATE land, is a law he's been campaigning for.
Owners of dangerous dogs are facing tougher penalties. If your dog injures someone in a public place you could now face a prison sentence of up to eighteen months.
But, even if no-one's injured, owners could get six months if the dog is deemed to be out of control. Shania Bannister from Chesterfield had to have her face rebuilt after she was savaged by a Japanese Akita. Her mum says the new measures still don't go far enough.
Tougher punishments for dangerous dog owners have come into force. Owners can be fined up to £5,000 and banned from keeping dogs while the dogs can be destroyed or ordered to be muzzled or neutered
Paul Coleman, who was mauled by two dogs in Sheffield Credit: Calendar News
A campaign to protect postmen from dangerous dogs is launched today.
According to the Royal Mail, there have been almost 350 attacks on postmen, like Paul Coleman from Sheffield, in our region in the past year.
Paul was savaged by two dogs, who tore chunks out of his leg.
The Royal Mail is asking owners to supervise dogs at all times and have handed out ninety thousand "posting pegs", to put through letterboxes, to protect postmen's fingers.
Anne McIntosh, MP for Thirsk and Filey, will be part of the team of MPs looking at the Government's ideas for tackling dangerous dogs.
Miss McIntosh said
**
**“Attacks by out of control dogs are on the increase with tragic impacts on individuals, families and communities. Our inquiry will look closely at whether the Government is doing enough to tackle the problem of irresponsible dog owners and to improve the welfare of all dogs@
A North Yorkshire MP is launching an inquiry into dog control. Anne McIntosh MP and other members of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will be looking at issues surrounding dog control and welfare.
It is as they assess Government proposals for tackling irresponsible dog ownership and breeding.
