[Njagdu] UK: Shock at record attacks on guide dogs

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UK: Shock at record attacks on guide dogs

GUIDE DOGS are being attacked at a rate of 10 a month by out of control
pets, a shocking report reveals.

By: Tammy Hughes

Published: Mon, June 10, 2013

 

A total of 240 dog attacks on guide dogs were reported between March 2011
and February 2013. 

 

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.

 

Jade, 14, from Atherton, Greater Manchester, was attacked at a family
friend’s home in March.

 

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.

 

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.”

 

A total of 240 dog attacks on guide dogs were reported between March 2011
and February 2013.

 

During this time five guide dogs had to be withdrawn from service, costing
the charity more than £170,000.

Beth Dawes said her guide dog Anne was attacked in Newcastle upon Tyne city
centre.

She said: “I heard a dog running towards us growling and I felt Anne being
pinned to the floor.

 

“I just felt totally helpless. I didn’t know what was happening and it was
really frightening.

 

“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.”

 

Under The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill, an attack on an
assistance dog would become an aggravated offence.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

“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.”

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/406348/Shock-at-record-attacks-on-guide-dog
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