Latest news with #responsibledogownership
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Cheshire farmer backs change to policing rural dog attacks
A farmer whose animals have been attacked by dogs twice said he hoped a change in the law would help bring more offenders to justice. Phil Latham, from Cheshire, said he collected DNA and video footage after one attack but was told by the police it could not be South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth's bill would give police more powers to use such evidence and extend the offence of livestock worrying to cover animals such as Latham said the impact of dog attacks was "not just the money, but the heartache". Brandreth told BBC Politics North West the bill was about "responsible dog ownership", and it had been prompted by her meeting Mr Latham last Conservative MP's bill, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill, will reach the next stage of the process in Parliament on will add to police powers around the seizure of dogs and collection of evidence from both dogs and livestock, and increase the maximum penalty from £1,000 to an unlimited NFU said UK farm animals worth £1.8m were severely injured or killed in dog attacks last year. Mr Latham said the first attack at his farm in Chornley, near Nantwich, 18 out of 20 calves in a pen were severely injured. He said the second attack had two vets and three members of staff working for five hours to treat the animals."The first thing you want to do is look after your animals. It's what we try to do."We're trying to optimise the calf welfare because if they're happy they grow better, and we're happy."So when you find that they've been severely bitten, bits of skin hanging off or muscles detached, that is really distressing."He said he was "incredibly frustrated" to learn the evidence he had gathered after the second attack could not be used in a prosecution."Those tests are good enough to put people away for life, but they're not good enough - or weren't - to allow to determine whether a dog had attacked a calf or not."It's quite simply ridiculous," he said. Brandreth said: "Phil showed me photos of a horrific dog attack. It was really awful to see the damage that they had caused."I realised it was an opportunity for me to try and make a difference for farmers like Phil and also animal welfare because it's so vitally important."Ms Brandreth said the bill had been worked on with MPs across different parties and also Welsh MPs. Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC and follow BBC North West on X. For more local politics coverage, BBC Politics North West is on BBC One on Sunday at 10:00am and on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Brownies take action against dog fouling in Wetheral
A group of Brownies has been recognised for its efforts to tackle dog fouling. The 1st Wetheral Brownies identified a hotspot along a public path, recording 29 piles of dog mess and handing out poo bags to dog walkers as part of Operation T.U.R.D (Together, United for Responsible Dog Ownership). Their work contributed to earning their 'Speak Out' badge and led to a visit from Cumberland Council officers, who presented them with a certificate of appreciation. Councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places at Cumberland Council, said: "It's fantastic to see our younger residents, like the 1st Wetheral Brownies, showing such commitment to keeping their community clean and taking real pride in where they live. "Congratulations to them on earning their Speak Out badge; they've truly used their voices to make a difference. "Their actions set a powerful example for all of us, from identifying local issues to engaging directly with dog walkers, they've shown maturity, initiative, and genuine community spirit." Operation T.U.R.D aims to promote responsible dog ownership and keep public spaces clean. During the visit, council officers met with Cllr Stephen Higgs, vice chair of the parish council, and landowners from the area to discuss ongoing concerns about dog fouling along the route highlighted by the Brownies. Details provided by the group, including descriptions of walkers and vehicles, are set to be used to support upcoming enforcement work. Cllr Rollo said: "Cumberland Council has a zero-tolerance policy on dog fouling, and this campaign demonstrates that education, engagement, and enforcement can deliver real results. "We're serious about protecting public spaces and ensuring everyone can enjoy clean, safe environments. "When we work together – with responsible dog owners, community groups, and local leaders – we really can make a lasting difference." The council plans to begin 'intensive' patrols in the area as a result of the Brownies' findings. The group is also planning another community litter pick as part of its work towards earning an additional badge.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Yahoo
Areas with highest-risk for dog attacks on postal workers revealed amid rise
The number of dog attacks on postal workers has increased over the past year, new figures reveal. Royal Mail said there were 2,197 dog attacks on its staff, a 2% increase compared with the previous year. The figure equates to an average of 42 attacks every week across the UK, with some leading to permanent and disabling injuries for victims. There were 74 significant injuries recorded in 2024/25 compared with the 82 reported in 2023/24, according to the figures, released at the start of the annual Dog Awareness Week, aimed at encouraging responsible dog ownership. Royal Mail urged dog owners to ensure they understand the often-devastating impact of dog attacks on postmen and postwomen and take proper measures to ensure their pets pose no threat to delivery postal workers. The highest-risk location in the past year was the S (Sheffield) postcode, where 66 postal workers suffered dog attacks, followed by the PO (Portsmouth) postcode area with 60 attacks and the TN (Kent/Sussex/Surrey) postcode area with 56 attacks. As in previous years, nearly half of dog attacks took place at the front door, one in four took place in gardens, drives or yards, and almost one in 10 took place in the street or road. 🍄 Spore-tacular news! We've announced our brand new Mushrooms Stamps & Collectibles today. From the Scarlet Elf Cup to the iconic Fly Agaric, this issue celebrates Mushrooms in all their funky forms 👉 — Royal Mail (@RoyalMail) June 27, 2025 Dog attacks on Royal Mail workers resulted in 2,700 days of absence in 2024/25, with the longest period of absence being 108 days. Lizz Lloyd, health and safety director at Royal Mail, said: 'Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers. 'In many cases these incidents result in serious injuries, emotional distress, and time away from work. Recommended Reading Royal Mail warning issued over parcel delivery text scam Does Royal Mail deliver letters and parcels after 5pm? 'Royal Mail continues to call on the public to be vigilant and responsible by securing their pets before opening the door to receive mail or packages. 'We continue to invest in safety training and awareness campaigns for both employees and the public but emphasise that community co-operation is essential to reducing these incidents.' Other areas where dog attacks have increased include Guildford, Nottingham, Chelmsford, Brighton, Belfast, Newcastle, Swindon, Doncaster and Staffordshire.
BBC News
25-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Ramsey commissioners launch campaign to tackle dog fouling
A new warden will be hired in Ramsey as part of a drive by town commissioners to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets. Commissioners vice-chairman Sandra Cottam-Shea said a "culture change" was needed and urged people to safely "educate those responsible" for failing to pick up dog she confirmed the authority would not be reintroducing dedicated dog poo bins in the £1,100 will be spent on posters and stickers to inform members of the public that they should instead use regular bins. Cottam-Shea said: "This is an age-old problem that happens around the world, but there has been a constant rumble of discontent in Ramsey and we have to do something."She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the campaign would be more cost-effective than reinstalling "smaller dog poo bins" previously seen in the town since they "filled up so quickly and then spilled out". The vice-chairman said that while she was hoping for "positive results... a cultural understanding that this isn't acceptable" was required in the acknowledged that some people may be nervous about confronting irresponsible dog owners."We mustn't put ourselves a risk," she said. "But we mustn't be afraid of challenging perceived anti-social behaviour in a safe and courteous way."It takes a village, it takes a town to change culture."It is expected that the signs and stickers - which will be attached to public bins explaining that they can be used for dog waste - will be in place by late new town warden will also monitor issues such as parking, litter and anti-social behaviour. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Moment two cuddly-looking spaniels turn savage and maul helpless lamb to death
This is the shocking moment two cuddly-looking spaniels savagely mauled a helpless lamb to death. The dogs, which on first glance look nothing like killer beasts, were caught on camera with blood on their mouths in North Wales. They escaped from a walk along Dinas Dinlle beach in Penygroes and ran into a field to attack sheep on April 23. A young lamb was seriously injured by the spaniels and subsequently died, police have said. The horrifying attack was recorded by a farmer who was in the area at the time and alerted the owner of the sheep, Dafydd Jones. The distressing footage shows two dogs mauling the lamb, before running away from the farmer who tries to put them on a lead. Police have now warned pet owners that any dog could turn into a killer. PCSO Rhys Evans, from North Wales Police's rural crime team, said: 'Responsible dog ownership is key in tackling these awful incidents, which are far too common. 'Livestock-worrying is a crime, and can include dogs running after animals, as well as attacks. 'They are extremely distressing not only for the animals, but for their keepers too and the costs, both financially and emotionally are wholly unacceptable. 'It is important to ensure dogs are always kept on a lead and under control in the countryside - or if left at home alone, that the house or garden are secure. 'A dog's owner is the only person who can prevent an attack from happening, and you may have to pay the ultimate price if you cannot control your animal. 'If your dog has escaped in a rural area, you should contact the police as early as possible so local farmers and landowners can be alerted.' The sheep's owner Dafydd Jones added: 'The dogs fled from the beach and ran into the fields at Belan Las, and injured sheep. 'The matter has now been resolved, thanks to North Wales Police and Hedd Rhys from Farmer Union of Wales.'
