Dog attacks on post workers ‘alarming’

EMPLOYMENT: An “alarming” number of dog attacks are still being recorded against postmen and women despite greater legislative protection, figures reveal, as a campaign is launched to better protect postal workers.

There were almost 2,500 incidents reported in the past year, with some attacks causing permanent and disabling injuries.

AN “ALARMING” number of dog attacks are still being recorded against postmen and women despite greater legislative protection, new figures reveal, as a campaign is launched to better protect postal workers.

There were almost 2,500 incidents reported in the past 12 months, with some attacks causing permanent and disabling injuries to the victims involved.

Royal Mail, acknowledging a slight improvement on last year, has launched a fresh appeal to reduce the toll on its workers, with attacks resulting in 1,622 days of absence. “The safety of our people is of paramount importance and never more so than now as we continue to support the communities we live and work in,” said Dr Shaun Davis of the Royal Mail.

There has been an increased reliance on postal workers over recent months, he said, keeping communities connected and bringing much needed supplies to and from customers’ homes and businesses.

“I am pleased to see a slight decrease this year, however it is still an alarmingly high number.”

There is an average of seven incidents reported every single day somewhere in the UK.

Some areas including Chelmsford and Guildford have seen a steep rise, while other areas such as Basildon and Southend have seen specialist training which is easing the challenge.

Royal Mail launched its annual Dog Awareness Week with an appeal to dog owners to ensure they understand the impact of attacks.

In the last year, most dog attacks on postal workers happened at the front door, in the garden or in the street.

Mark Wilding, a postman of 15 years from Llandrindod Wells in Wales, has spoken of his ordeal after he was attacked on his round in a customer’s garden.

He said: “As I walked up the path, I heard some shouting. I looked up, and saw a dog appear from behind a car and run towards me. I could see it wasn’t a friendly approach.

“I used my mail pouch to try and fend the dog off while the owner raced to control it. While trying to protect myself, the dog jumped up and bit me on my hand.

“Eventually the owner managed to drag the dog off me and get it into his house. My hand wouldn’t stop bleeding, so I had to go to hospital.

“Although the wound wasn’t very deep, it was very frightening at the time, because the dog just kept attacking and wouldn’t stop.

“I would like to ask all dogowning customers to be aware of potential situations that might cause your dog to attack. It could easily have been a small child and the outcome could have been so much worse.”

Postal workers deliver six days a week to 30 million addresses across the UK, and see an increase in attacks in the summer months.

Changes to the law were brought into force in 2014 to better protect postal workers, giving them greater legal protection when they enter private property including gardens. The changes, which also resulted in tougher penalties and fines, were brought in following an inquiry led by former high Court Judge Sir Gordon Langley.

Last year, the former Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Denise Fox, had to have reconstructive surgery after being bitten by a dog while out leafleting ahead of the election.

Dave Joyce of the Communication Workers Union said: “We are appealing to all customers who are dog owners to work with us and think twice when the postman calls. Put the dog away in a secure room before opening the door to collect deliveries.”

Put the dog in a safe room before opening the door to deliveries. Dave Joyce, of the Communication Workers Union.