Postal workers urge Scottish Government to stop 'dragging its heels' over crackdown on dangerous dogs

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, STV News told how one postwoman from Oban required plastic surgery following a “brutal” German Shepherd attack.

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Humza Yousaf urged to do more to stop violent dogs after a Scottish woman suffered serious injuries during a dog attack.

The CWU wants to see better enforcement from police and the courts as well as measures to hold irresponsible owners to account.

The union is calling for a review and strengthening of existing laws.

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?

Dangerous dogs

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.”