Related Articles
ROYAL Mail is preparing for the busiest time of the year as they race to make sure Christmas gifts are delivered in time for the big day.
The company will no doubt be inundated with a record amount of parcel deliveries as they work hard during the festive period.
However, the postal service has warned that post could be banned before Christmas if one big rule is not adhered to by homeowners.
Pets can pose a big threat to postal staff and can become unpredictable when feeling the need to protect their family.
About 13.5 million dogs live with families in the UK and around 35% of all families have at least one dog.
The Royal Mail has reported that around 2,000 postal workers are hurt in dog attacks every year.
These injuries can range from small to really serious, with some potentially causing lasting disabilities.
In these particular situations, Royal Mail have a duty to inform the police about the incident which means all deliveries to the address are stopped until safety measures have been put in place.
This big rule applies to both real injuries as well as potentially threatening situations for staff members.
As well as being banned from receiving postal deliveries from Royal Mail, the legal consequences for pet owners could extend beyond this to potential punishment under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).
The legislation was amended to include attacks that happen on private premises, including gardens and doorways, which safeguards postal workers who are working.
Since the changes were implemented to the act back in 1991, the authorities are now able to confiscate a dog and the owner could face prosecution if their dog attacks anyone, regardless of the location.
Through its canine awareness programme, the postal service states on their website: “Never open the door to a postie when your dog is not secured away.
“Invest in a letter cage or external delivery point to stop bites through the letterbox. Close doors and gates to prevent loose dogs reaching the delivery point. Your mail can be suspended if a safe delivery point is not provided.
Lizz Lloyd, Health and Safety Director at Royal Mail says: “Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers.
“In many cases, these incidents result in serious injuries, emotional distress, and time away from work.
“Royal Mail continues to call on the public to be vigilant and responsible by securing their pets before opening the door to receive mail or packages.
“We continue to invest in safety training and awareness campaigns for both employees and the public, but emphasise that community cooperation is essential to reducing these incidents.
Pet owners can download a postcard from The Royal Mail website that they can print and display on their door or window.
It reads: “This lets anyone delivering to your property know that you have a dog and asks them to wait whilst you secure your dog before opening the door.”
Source link
