Postal workers demand Scottish Government crackdown on dangerous dogs following attacks

A union representing posties will hold crunch talks with SNP ministers on the need for better protections against violent dog attacks.

Postal workers are calling for a crackdown on dangerous dogs in Scotland to better protect the public.

The Communications Workers Union (CWU) will meet with SNP ministers today to discuss urgent reforms to current legislation.

The posties' union said it was "deeply dissatisfied" with what it described as a lack of progress in strengthening the laws that are meant to protect the public - particularly postal workers - from violent dog attacks.

As well as a comprehensive review and strengthening of existing laws, the CWU wants improved enforcement by police against owners who fail to control their pets.

It has also called for the abolition of the 'one free bite' rule which offers leniency for first-time offenders.

It comes after postal worker Kirsteen Hobson suffered severe injuries during a “brutal” attack by a German Shepherd in Oban in December last year.

Craig Anderson, CWU Scottish Secretary, 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.”

The union insisted it fully supported responsible dog ownership but added that owners who fail to control their pets must face the consequences of their negligence.

It comes after Scotland belatedly followed the rest of the UK in February in the banning of American XL bully dogs.

But the Scottish Government was criticised by opposition parties for being slow to react to the issue.

Owners of the breed - which have been linked to a series of attacks across the UK - risk a fine for failing to muzzle the animals and keep them on a lead in public.

The abandonment, breeding, exchanging or selling of the dogs has also been banned.

The new rules come into effect just days after police shot a "dangerously out of control dog" in East Kilbride when it injured three people.

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The Record has asked the Scottish Government for comment.

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