Dog Control Bill [HL]

My Lords, I am slightly surprised. I do not think that the Bill gives any leeway for guard dogs outside nightclubs. That would not be seen as acceptable by anyone going into the nightclub, and I would be surprised if any nightclub owner actually employed dogs outside their club. I do not think that that is an issue. The second issue is that I am surprised that the RSPCA is worried about a plethora of signs going up. I have been lobbied quite heavily by the Communication Workers Union, representing postal workers, because one of the largest numbers of attacks by dogs is on postmen. It would be only appropriate that those people who had dogs that could lead to an attack should make the postman, above anyone else, aware that there was a dog inside the garden that might bite them so that they could leave the post in the post box outside. It is not just postmen who have to beware. Many noble Lords, though not all, have been in the situation that I have when we have been out at elections on the stump and have had to exit a property rapidly because of a small dog that is intent on ripping large chunks out of people. It is not just large dogs that people have to be aware of; in a recent study, conducted almost across the world, miniature dachshunds were mentioned. If you get bitten by a miniature dachshund it is slightly more amusing than being bitten by a Staffordshire bull terrier, but I think that I should raise the issue. The purpose of the Bill is to say that dog owners should be responsible. We are not saying that the dog should not be in the garden, but if a dog is in the garden then warning should be given. Amendment 8 agreed. Amendment 9 agreed. Clause 2, as amended, agreed. Clause 3 : Dog control notices Amendment 10 Clause 3 : Dog control notices Amendment 10 Moved by