TACKLING DOG ATTACKS ON POSTMEN AND POSTWOMEN

Early day motion 822, tabled 5 December 2012 by Valerie Vaz (Labour). Signed by 82 members.

That this House notes the increasing number of dog attacks on postmen and postwomen in the UK; is concerned by the frequency of attacks on workers and a lack of appropriate action in response; further notes that Royal Mail estimates that over 3,000 postmen and postwomen were attacked between April 2011 and April 2012; believes that no postal workers should face increased risk and fear of dog attacks because of their profession; further notes that England is soon to be the only part of the UK without updated dog laws; welcomes the findings of an independent inquiry led by former High Court judge Sir Gordon Langley into this issue; further welcomes Royal Mail's announcement that it will take a more robust approach to suspending deliveries to addresses where dog attacks occur and actively pursue legal action; and calls on the Government to support postmen and postwomen and the wider public by introducing tougher legal sanctions against the owners of dangerous dogs.

Signatures by party: Labour 62, Liberal Democrat 11, DUP 3, Conservative 2, Green 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.