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Merseyside Police Chief set to visit Guide Dogs Liverpool
ON Monday, 13 February 2017, Chief
Constable of Merseyside Police, Andy Cooke is set to visit Guide Dogs,
Liverpool, to highlight the importance of Merseyside Police's ongoing support
following a number of dog attacks on guide dogs. Both organisations have worked
in partnership since attacks on assistance dogs were recognised as a crime in
changes to legislation, on 13 March 2014. Under the new law, if your dog attacks
a guide, or any assistance dog, you can now face up to a maximum sentence of 3
years in prison. Lynette Proctor, Guide Dogs Community Engagement Officer
explains:- "People often question why an attack on a guide dog is now seen
as a criminal offence, unlike other dog on dog attacks. If a guide dog is unable
to work as a result of an attack, whether temporarily or permanently, it doesn't
just have an impact on the dog, but also robs their blind or partially sighted
owner of their independence, often meaning they are unable to leave their own
home. Even what might be perceived as a minor attack can have devastating and
long term consequences."
In recent years the number of reported dog attacks on guide dogs has grown
rapidly, with the latest research by Guide Dogs showing that, on average, ten
guide dogs are attacked each month across the UK. As a result, Guide Dogs
and Merseyside Police have worked together to put in place a Service Level
Agreement to ensure that any guide dog owner within Merseyside who becomes the
victim of an attack receives the best possible care available. This includes
agreement to assign a named and contactable Officer to the owner's case and also
recording them as vulnerable, enabling tailored support for their specific
needs.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Andy Cooke:- "We are proud to work
alongside Guide Dogs are ensuring that prosecutions for attacks on any
assistance dogs are fully supported through the courts. Our Service Level
Agreement shows this commitment in providing the highest standards of victim
care throughout any investigation. It is an honour to be invited along to see
the work that goes on day to day to people who rely on guide dogs for their
independence."
During his visit Chief Constable Cooke will meet with local guide dog owners who
have been victims of a dog attack, as well as having the opportunity to take
part in a blind fold walk with a trainee guide dog.
To find out more about the impact of dog
attacks on guide dogs visit:-
GuideDogs.Org.UK/Campaigns/Dog-Attacks. |
