[nagdu] UK - Dog attacks on guide dogs doubles

[Ginger Kutsch]

UK - Dog attacks on guide dogs doubles

The Press Association 

Source:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iyUa6SrIzN8aF5w_2ABZM
cYFhurQ?docId=N0187671315149430020A

 

Attacks on guide dogs by other dogs have more than doubled, according to a
new report.

 

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association said there are, on average, more
than seven attacks on guide dogs each month by other canines.

 

The figure is more than double last year when a previous study, published in
June 2010, showing an average of three attacks per month.

 

Charity officials have urged police to take attacks more seriously and
called for the compulsory microchipping of all dogs in England and Wales.

 

The report found bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers and pit bull
terriers were among the most frequent offenders, with around one in three
dogs carrying out attacks from this bull breed group.

 

In more than nine out of ten cases, attacks took place in public places such
as parks, town centres and shopping areas.

 

The charity said chief executive Richard Leaman wrote to all chief
constables in June last year asking them to help safeguard guide dog owners
against attacks, but it said too many owners are still worried police take
no action after an attack.

 

Mr Leaman said: "We recognise that police forces are under pressure but
these attacks are anti-social and have a devastating effect on vulnerable
people.

 

"We want police to recognise the enormous impact that these attacks have on
people's ability to live independently and respond accordingly."

 

The charity said one owner who was a victim of an attack reported wanting to
move house afterwards while others said they were left too frightened to go
out. Many people said they were left upset, angry or shaken.