Every day, around seven postmen and women are attacked by a dog.
This makes dogs a serious hazard, with some attacks leading to a permanent and disabling injury.
The number of attacks rises during the summer holidays when children are off school and dogs are allowed to roam free by parents concentrating on watching over their children.
Between 2017 and 2018 there were 2,275 dog attacks on postmen and women.
Awareness campaigns like this do work – the number of attacks in the UK has decreased by 8% since last year. However, there is still much progress to be made.
[PIC OF DOG & POSTMAN]
Alan Quinn a postman for 10 years, from Paisley was delivering to a house with a German Shepherd when he was attacked and bitten on his arm, which required hospital treatment and physiotherapy. [Source: The Royal Mail]
“I had been delivering there for over ten years and the dog was never a problem but on this day, it got out and jumped on me at the external postbox and bit and tore into my arm and I was screaming for help covered in blood. The owner then took me to hospital. I never for a moment expected it. I’m not on the route anymore but I am very wary of dogs now more than before. I’d just ask customers, please keep your dog away from the door, don’t have it loose in the garden when we are all on our rounds.” – Alan Quinn
The Royal Mail’s Top Tips for Dog Owners
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.
- 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, and 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.