A GLASGOW postman needed surgery after being attacked by two savage dogs during his rounds.

45-year-old Thomas McGrath, who was mauled by two Japanese Akitas, underwent surgery to repair damage to his wrist and hand following the brutal attack in the East End's Baillieston.

Now postal body the Communication Workers Union is calling for the Scottish Government to introduce new dangerous dogs laws.

CWU national health and safety officer Dave Joyce said: "The 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act doesn't fully address the behavior of irresponsible dog owners like in this case because attacks which occur on private property are not covered by the Act and that's got to change."

Mr McGrath, who has 30 years of service with the Royal Mail, spent four days recovering from serious injuries to his face, back and arms in the Royal Infirmary after this week's attack.

He was walking up the owner's garden path when the dogs escaped from the back garden through an insecure fence.

The pair savaged the postal worker before he could reach the front door.

The animals have now been destroyed and a report passed to the Procurator Fiscal.

But the legal loophole means owners of dogs who attack can escape prosecution if the incident occurs on private property, which is the case in around 70% of attacks on postal staff.

Dave added: "The Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill, which was proposed by Christine Grahame MSP - with the backing of the CWU and Scottish RSPCA - is aimed at addressing this gaping hole in the law.

"The Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on June 22 and we're calling on the First Minister and all political parties to support it and facilitate its swift passage through the Scottish Parliament and then we want the rest of the UK to follow Scotland's lead."

In the last 12 months alone there have been 58 dog attacks on postal delivery workers in Glasgow.

A Royal Mail spokesman added: "Royal Mail takes very seriously the safety of its employees, particularly our frontline staff who deliver the mail.

"Unfortunately, dog attacks are a hazard faced by our employees.

"Our main aim is to prevent attacks, supported by an on-going campaign to raise awareness of the issue among our customers."

A 62-year-old man has been subject to a report to the procurator fiscal under the Dangerous Dogs Act in connection with the attack.