The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is to be updated today to afford protection to to workers such as postmen and women from being attacked by dogs on private property.

The ten-minute rule procedure will be invoked following a motion by MP Angela Smith.

"The law currently leave thousands of postal workers at risk from debilitating dog attacks with no legal right to pursue damages or to have action taken against dangerous dogs and their owners," said Billy Hayes, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union. 

"Around 6,000 postal workers are attacked by dogs every year with 70 per cent attacked on private property where the Dangerous Dogs Act doesn't apply and the owners are therefore not prosecuted. Postmen and women cannot therefore be awarded compensation.

"The CWU's view is a simple one that if a person wishes to own an animal, particularly a dog, then they have a duty to ensure that it doesn't cause personal injury and damage."