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Two postal workers were attacked and bitten by dogs this week in South Yorkshire, with both suffering injuries.
The first attack happened in West Melton where an “out of control dog” went after a postal worker as they delivered mail. The postie was bitten on the leg by the dog whose owner was not present.
The second attack happened the next day, in Dodworth, where a postal worker was bitten on the hand while attempting to deliver mail through the house letterbox. The attacks have irked the police, who have expressed concern, citing the dangers that dog attacks carry.
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Dog Liaison Officer PC Paul Jameson said: “The postal worker bitten in West Melton was walking down the street when he was approached by two dogs without an owner. One dog approached him and bit him on his leg. The reality is this could have been anyone, including a child or elderly person.
“This could have had fatal consequences and action must be taken. The second postal worker this week was bitten on the hand, again something that can lead to life altering injuries.”
PC Jameson urged people to take responsibility over their dog’s actions, saying: “People have to take responsibility for their dogs, it’s not fair on innocent people. You, as an owner are responsible for your dog’s actions whether in public or at home. It will be you as an owner or a person in charge of the dog at the time, that is put before the courts or facing another sanction for allowing the dog to be out of control.
“This could also result in the court issuing a destruction order on the dog. Owners need to understand their dogs, understand what causes them to become stressed or anxious and where possible install simple safety measures to protect everyone.”
PC Jameson urged members of the public, who he says are often reluctant to report dangerous dogs for fear they will be put down, to work with the force. PC Jameson said: “If your dog becomes excitable when you are having post delivered, try not to react or encourage your dog to become excitable, this enforces your dog’s behaviour that they are ‘guarding’ the mail box, or property, which can lead to aggression and biting.
“I also urge you that if you’re aware of a dog in your area that you believe does or could pose a risk to people’s safety, to please speak to us and report it. If we are aware we can offer help to the owner. We work in partnership with the Blue Cross where behaviour support and training can be provided, but more importantly we can safeguard anyone in the property who may be at risk, including young children.
“People often do not report dogs being out of control to us as they’re fearful that we will seize or euthanise the animal. We pride ourselves on the destruction of any animal being the last resort. Prior to decisions being made, observations of the dog’s nature are carried out and the full circumstances of the incident are investigated.
“We work alongside charities to rehabilitate and rehome dogs where possible, as well as educate owners around being a responsible owner to have their dogs back. Let’s all play our part to create a safer place to live and work.”
South Yorkshire Police revealed that in 2022 the force seized 449 dogs. As many as 303 of those dogs were deemed dangerous, and 94 were killed.
There were 1,673 dog attacks reported on Royal Mail staff between 2021 and 2022. An average of 32 attacks every week across the UK, with some leading to permanent and disabling injuries.
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