ST HELENS Council is to take part in a joint initiative with the Royal Mail to identify potentially dangerous dogs to help reduce the risk of attacks.

Under the initiative, St Helens, together with 11 other local authorities, will receive reports from any posties who have been attacked by dogs.

This information can be used by the council's dog wardens to target individual owners of such animals. They will then be given appropriate advice to prevent any future attacks.

Councillor Richard Ward, chairman of the Housing and Environmental Services Committee said: "This is yet another example of the council's approach to the nuisance caused by irresponsible dog owners.

"We have all seen or read of the danger of dog attacks, potentially on young children. It is hoped that by joining the initiative, the Royal Mail delivery staff will become yet another source of information on which the council's dog wardens can act in order to minimise the danger.

"Although an informal approach will be taken, where necessary the dog wardens will not hesitate to enforce the law regarding dangerous dogs if required."

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