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THOUSANDS of dog attacks on postmen and women have been reported across the country in the past year, according to official figures.
The Royal Mail has received reports of 2,484 dog attacks across the UK in 2018-19, a rise of nine per cent compared to around 2,300 last year when data came in from branches across the country.
The figures claim that, across the whole country, close to 50 postmen and women are attacked each week with some incidents leading to a permanent and disabling injury.
A spokesman for the postal service said: “Royal Mail knows that dogs are not inherently dangerous, but, even the most placid animal can be prone to attack if it feels it or 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 our customers across the length and breadth of the UK and in every community.”
As Royal Mail launches its seventh 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.
The Royal Mail’s Dog Awareness Week runs from July 8 to 13 with the aim of raising awareness around the issue of dog attacks on postal workers and encourage responsible dog ownership.
However, despite these ongoing campaigns, the service spokesman says the numbers still remains “unacceptably high” and, in some postcode areas, attacks are “increasing significantly”.
Royal Mail’s Dog Awareness Week is supported by the Communications Workers Union and a wide range of organisations and animal charities including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the National Police Chief’s Council and the National Dog Wardens Association.
Communication Workers Union health and safety officer Dave Joyce said that taking simple precautions can prevent the pain for everyone concerned.
He said: “Dog-owning customers are failing in their responsibility to postal workers by simply securing their dogs before opening the door.
“Worryingly, there were a number of very serious dog attacks on postal workers in both Royal Mail delivery and Parcelforce delivery over this past year, some of which could easily have ended in fatalities if it wasn’t for the intervention of the owners and good Samaritans.”
The full list of advice for dog owners can be found online at
www.royalmail.com/personal/dog-awareness
.
