GUIDE dog owners met to hear about new laws aimed to give their pets greater protection from attack.

They gathered at the Centurion centre on North Road to hear about the new legislation.

The Dangerous Dogs Act was extended last year to cover attacks on guides by other dogs, therefore giving them the same protection as people. Previously this type of incident could only be dealt with under the Dog Act 1871.

The changes mean that it will now be a criminal offence to allow an attack on an assistance or guide dog.

The Star previously reported how a repellent spray was to be made available to guide owners for the protection of their pets.

Those in attendance were also told about new Community Protection Notices which can be issued to people who repeatedly allow their dogs to stray and cause nuisance to residents, with four having already been issued locally.

Failure to comply with a CPN results in a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice being issued, with failure to pay the FPN potentially leading to a fine of up to £2,500 and, in the case of a corporate body, up to £20,000.

St Helens Council’s cabinet member for environment and neighbourhoods, Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron said: “The effects of an attack on an assistance dog can be devastating – for both pet and owner. Both are likely to be traumatised – and in many cases the dog is unable to work again, which effectively wastes £20,000 worth of training and leaves the owner frightened and housebound.”

Owners and pets met representatives from the council’s Dog Welfare and Enforcement Team, Guide Dogs UK, The Dogs Trust and other assistance dog agencies.

Guest Speakers included Trevor Cooper, a dog law specialist and Penny Williams from Guide Dogs UK.