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.
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During this time five guide dogs had to be withdrawn from service, costing the charity more than £170,000.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.
I just felt totally helpless. I didn’t know what was happening and it was really frightening.
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.”
