Sharp rise in dog attacks on postmen and women

Of course, most dogs are friendly towards Royal Mail staff

A total of 2,275 dog attacks have taken place on postmen and women across the UK in 2017/18, meaning there are over 44 attacks every week in the UK, some leading to a permanent and disabling injury.

In the OL postcode around 19 postmen and women were attacked by dogs from April 2017 to April 2018, up 73% on the previous year.

And while the overall number of UK attacks has reduced in the last year by 8%, in some postcode areas attacks are disappointedly increasing and every dog attack is one attack too many.

As Royal Mail launches its sixth successive Dog Awareness week, it is appealing to dog owners to ensure they understand the impact of dog attacks on postmen and women who are only doing their job.

Our Dog Awareness week runs from runs from today, June 25, to June 30.

The week aims to raise awareness of the issue of dog attacks on postmen and women and encourage responsible dog ownership including tips for dog owners.

Dr Shaun Davis, Royal Mail Group Global Director of Safety, Health, Wellbeing and Sustainability, said: “One attack is still one attack too many.

"Our research continues to show that attacks happen most often in the summer, so we are continuing our campaign to appeal to customers to help us cut attacks across the UK.

“Dog attacks have a devastating effect on our people and on our customers and we hope we can make a further impact in these areas.

"We will also be rolling out new interactive training for our people in the hotspot areas to try and help us to do that.  But people should remember that 82-per-cent of attacks happen at the front door or in the garden so this is not just a Royal Mail issue, many other delivery, and utility companies and local authorities face the same problem.”

Royal Mail knows that most dogs are not inherently dangerous, however, even the most placid animal can be prone to attack if it feels its territory is being threatened.

Royal Mail’s first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to customers across the length and breadth of the UK and in every community.

Royal Mail’s research also shows that the number of attacks rises during the school holidays and in the summer months when parents and children are at home.

Members of the public are being encouraged to visit: www.royalmail.com/dogawareness and www.royalmailgroup.com/dogs for hints and tips on dog safety.