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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>UK: Shock at record attacks on guide dogs<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>GUIDE DOGS are being attacked at a rate of 10 a month by out of control pets, a shocking report reveals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>By: Tammy Hughes<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Published: Mon, June 10, 2013<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 240 dog attacks on guide dogs were reported between March 2011 and February 2013. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The record number comes as today MPs debate dog control in Parliament after savage attacks on people, including one which resulted in the death of teenager Jade Anderson.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jade, 14, from Atherton, Greater Manchester, was attacked at a family friend’s home in March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now the charity Guide Dogs has highlighted the trauma such attacks cause animals which assist the blind and partially sighted and is urging the Government to act.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chief executive Richard Leaman said: “A change in the law can’t come quickly enough for our guide dog owners, who too often have to bear the devastating consequences of these attacks.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 240 dog attacks on guide dogs were reported between March 2011 and February 2013.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During this time five guide dogs had to be withdrawn from service, costing the charity more than £170,000.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Beth Dawes said her guide dog Anne was attacked in Newcastle upon Tyne city centre.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She said: “I heard a dog running towards us growling and I felt Anne being pinned to the floor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“I just felt totally helpless. I didn’t know what was happening and it was really frightening.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Anne is wary now if she comes across a dog she doesn’t know and if I hear a dog growling it brings all those anxieties back.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Under The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill, an attack on an assistance dog would become an aggravated offence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Owners could also be prosecuted if their dog is dangerously out of control when there is “reasonable concern” that it will injure a guide dog.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Researchers found evidence that the bond between a person with sight loss and a guide dog is stronger than for other owners and that an attack can cause both to lose vital confidence and trust – and in some cases both may never want to venture out again.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr Leaman said: “We have fought long and hard on this issue and while we are delighted these measures are being proposed, there is no time to lose.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Only when irresponsible owners are held accountable for their dogs and heavily punished for their aggression do we believe the number of attacks will come down.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/406348/Shock-at-record-attacks-on-guide-dogs<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>