LTB 671/17 – “Caring4K9s”: Reviewing Responsible Dog Ownership in Wales to Reduce Dog Attacks – Special Symposium Event at the National Assembly for Wales, 9 January 2018

No. 671/2017

13 December 2017

Our Ref: P18/17

“Caring4K9s”: Reviewing Responsible Dog Ownership in Wales to Reduce Dog Attacks – Special Symposium Event at the National Assembly for Wales, 9 January 2018

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

This is to inform Branches and Reps in Wales of an event that is being organised and hosted by Julie Morgan Welsh Assembly Member for Cardiff North and Cardiff City Councillor, Cabinet Member and Former Deputy Mayor Dilwar Ali.

There is an open invitation to CWU Reps to attend the above event in Cardiff between 12 noon and 1.15pm on Tuesday 9th January 2018.

3000 Postal workers are attacked by dogs in the UK annually.

There have been fatal dog attacks on members of the public both adults and children in Wales.

On 2nd September 2011 the six year old son of Cllr Ali was savaged by a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, which had escaped from the next door neighbour’s house. The little boy was in the back garden of his house, helping his mother bring in washing. He suffered many serious injuries and scars from the dog attack. As a result of this incident Julie became aware of the inadequacies of the law relating to the care and control of dogs, especially the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Subsequently both Julie Morgan and Dilwar Ali linked up with the CWU to support the successful CWU “Biteback” campaign which succeeded in gaining widespread support. The ‘Biteback’ campaign eventually brought about substantial Law changes and strengthening of the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act and gained a wide range of support from animal professionals and animal welfare charities.

Mandatory micro-chipping of dogs as a new system for identifying and controlling menacing and dangerous dogs and bad owners was introduced.

The joint campaigning, seeking stronger laws and dog controls plus public awareness raising continues in Wales, led by Julie, Dilwar and the CWU.

The purpose of the event on 9th January is to bring together the ideas, knowledge and expertise of all sectors working in this area and to build support and a consensus for action.

This will be the third event under the “Caring4K9s” banner organised at the Assembly, so it will also be an opportunity for speakers to update the meeting and importantly, identify areas where there can be further improvements to the law and its enforcement as well as public awareness.

Speakers At The Event:-

  • Councillor Dilwar Ali Cardiff City Council Cabinet Member and Former Deputy Mayor.
  • Dave Joyce Communication Workers Union National Health & Safety Officer
  • Maria Wicks Dogs Trust – Head of DT Dogs School
  • Councillor Huw Thomas Leader Cardiff City Council
  • Lesley Griffiths AM Minister & Cabinet Secretary Rural Affairs

We look forward to seeing Wales CWU Reps attending.

Yours sincerely

 

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

17LTB671 Caring4K9s Reviewing Responsible Dog Ownership in Wales to Reduce Dog Attacks

Caring4K9s invite 9.1.18