The new dog law

REGARDING your article about the new dog law.  It has been law for the last five years, that all dogs must be on a lead in public places, with a maximum fine of £1000, writes Peter Ponting.

 

Most people disregard this law.

Last year the Dangerous Dogs Act 2013, stipulated that a dog must not be left unattended whilst in the grounds of his/her residence. That means in the garden.

This was supported by Royal Mail and the RSPCA.

Attacked by dogs

Being a postal worker, only last week three of our staff were attacked by dogs in their gardens. This is predominantly houses with side entrances, with 6ft gates as entrance points.

We are also boaters and have a dog (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). He has been attacked twice this year on the towpath. Both times he was on a lead and the attackers were not.

Protect innocent people

These new laws are there to protect innocent people from a growing trend of dog owners who, like speeding boaters, don't give a damn.

We have also seen on many occasions people walking dogs along the towpath with a little shovel in their hands. When the dogs have done their business, they pick it up with the shovel, and throw it into the canal. This is illegal under the waterways pollution act.

A dog is only as good as its owner. Unfortunately nowadays owners don't care about laws that are made to protect society. However strangely they are worded, they are worded because mitigating circumstances have influenced politicians to cover every eventuality.