7 posties are attacked by dogs daily

SEVEN postmen and women are attacked by dogs every day in the UK, figures show.

The number of dog attacks on postal workers rises by 10 per cent during the summer holidays, as children and parents are both home and their pets are likely to be in the garden.

The research reveals 2,660 postmen and women suffer attacks from dogs every year.

It comes as Royal Mail runs its annual Dog Awareness Week, which is supported by TV presenter and dog-lover Paul O’Grady. About 27 per cent of UK parents who own a dog have left their front or back door open while their pet is loose in the house, according to the Royal Mail research.

In the last year, 36 per cent of dog attacks have happened at the front door and 35 per cent occurred in front gardens.

The Royal Mail’s Dog Awareness Week, which runs from today until Saturday aims to promote dog attacks and encourages dog owners to be responsible.

Paul O’Grady said: ‘Dogs can be quite protective of their owners and homes. They believe they’re defending their property, but it’s important to recognise that this behaviour can sometimes escalate to dog bite incidents.’