MP ANDREW Stephenson is backing proposals to amend the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The motion, which is being supported by Royal Mail and the Communications Workers’ Union, will toughen legal protection for delivery staff while in customers’ gardens.

More than 5,500 postmen and women were attacked by dogs last year, a figure considered too high by individuals and organisations supporting the motion.

The proposal also includes greater protection for people in a communal area of a block of flats and people who are bitten when delivering an item through a letterbox.

Mr Stephenson’s mother Ann had her finger broken when a dog attacked her last year.

The MP for Pendle said: "I really think we need to look at the law and see how we can better protect people, whether it is part of their job or whether they are just going about their day to day activities.

“People must take responsibility for their dogs.”