Stop BSL

Although MSP Alex Neil supports a “deed not breed” perspective and is apparently inclined to remove the wasteful and ineffective breed ban put in place by the UK Dangerous Dogs Act, his proposed law currently does not remove BSL from the DDA. According to Mr. Neil, he is concerned that media coverage would reflect negatively on any attempt to “legalise pit bulls,” thereby dooming the bill. (Per Mr. Neil’s comment at http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/316/control-of-dogs-scotland-bill-what-i-propose-and-why-i-am-proposing-it/)

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/999451?UserKey=

Postal workers lend their support to ‘dog Asbos’

New law would see aggressive animals microchipped to check on their behaviour

By Lucy Christie
Published: 22/12/2008

Postal workers today lent their backing to plans for a new law on dog control.

“Dog Asbos” would see problem pets microchipped to monitor their behaviour and owners instructed to try and improve their conduct.

The proposed Control of Dogs Bill, due to be published early next year, aims to protect people, other dogs and their owners.

Posties and couriers with the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) are supporting the legislation, led by SNP MSP Alex Neil.

They are looking for a similar law to be introduced elsewhere in the UK.

The CWU’s health and safety officer, Dave Joyce, said the law on dangerous dogs had done nothing to reduce attacks.

Mr Joyce said: “We are calling for cross-party support when the bill comes before the Scottish Parliament in order to facilitate the swift passage of the bill on to the statute book, and want the rest of the UK to follow the Scottish lead.

“We want to see more realistic penalties handed down by the courts when prosecutions take place, with owners of aggressive dogs being held to account.

“My union is not anti-dog or anti any specific breed of dog – the overwhelming majority of which cause no problem at all.

“However, there are a significant number of aggressive dogs and irresponsible owners which need to be dealt with.”

According to the CWU, postal workers in the UK are victim to 5,000 to 6,000 dog attacks every year, with many resulting in serious injuries.

Postman Paul Coleman spent six days in hospital, undergoing a series of operations and skin grafts following an attack by two dogs while delivering mail in Sheffield last Christmas.

The owner was later jailed for four and a half months.

Central Scotland MSP Mr Neil said: “It is a common joke up and down the land that posties are scared of dogs.

“Unfortunately having fingers nipped off or a chunk bitten out of your legs is a very real threat for delivery workers.

“These things do happen and, until we introduce legislation to control the behaviour of dogs, they will continue to happen.

“Having the support of the CWU is very important because it demonstrates the bill I am trying to introduce will make a real difference.”