FRONT-LINE council staff are being trained to use special equipment to protect themselves against vicious dogs.
Housing, highways and environmental health workers at Rossendale Council will be issued with RSPCA-approved "dog dazers".
The equipment, which is hand-held and can be attached to staff belts, should enable workers to keep dangerous animals under control.
More than 30 people at the authority have been trained to use the battery-powered electronic device by dog warden Dave East.
He said: "We are hoping the scheme will ensure the safety of workers. The dazers emit an inaudible screech to quieten fierce dogs.
"It is all about staff health and safety but people must understand they are not electronic zappers, as stun guns are sometimes known as. The dazers have been approved by the RSPCA because they are not harmful to dogs."
Dave added: "An equally important part of the training is learning how to 'read' a dog. My advice is that if a dog is clearly ready to attack then workers should just turn away."
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