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There were almost 50 attacks by dogs on postmen and women in our area last year, according to the Royal Mail.
It has prompted a warning by the postal service for canine owners to keep their pets under control when deliveries take place.
Across the GU postcode area there were 48 incidents involving postal workers during the period 2018-19, an increase of 14 per cent on the previous year.
The Royal Mail has described the number of attacks as “unacceptably high”, adding that this time of year sees the highest number of them due to pets being outside and unsupervised during the school holidays and summer months.
Last year one street in Guildford went more than six months without a postal delivery because of an attack, with residents left having to travel to the delivery office to collect their mail.
As part of its annual Dog Awareness Week, the Royal Mail is appealing to owners to ensure they understand the impact of attacks on postmen and women.
In a statement Royal Mail said:
“Dog attacks are a significant hazard with over 47 postmen and women attacked each week across the UK, some leading to a permanent and disabling injury.
“Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal staff. Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable.
“Royal Mail’s first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers across the length and breadth of the UK and in every community.”
Nationally nearly 2,500 dog attacks took place on postmen and women in 2018-19, up nine per cent on 2017-18, with 82 per cent of incidents happening “at the front door or in the garden”.
Royal Mail’s top tips for dog owners:
- Ensure your dog is out of the way before the postman or woman arrives – place your pet in the back garden or a faraway room
- If you have a back garden, please close off the access, in case your dog could get round to the front when the postman calls
- Dog attacks can happen when you’ve opened the door to sign for an item – please keep your dog in another room before answering the door and make sure children don’t open the door, as dogs can push by them and attack
- Give your dog some food or a toy to occupy them while your mail is being delivered
- Wait 10 minutes after your mail has arrived to let your pet back into your hallway – keep everything as calm and low-key as possible
- If your dog likes to attack your mail consider installing a wire letter receptacle – it will protect your post, as well as your postman’s fingers
- If it’s not practical for you to keep your dog away from a postman delivering your mail, please consider fitting a secure mailbox on the edge of your property
- Please ensure your dog is microchipped, wearing a collar and tag and that your contact details on the tag and microchip are up to date
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