Sharp rise in dog attacks on postmen
The number of attacks by dogs on postmen across Shropshire and parts of Mid Wales has risen by half again in the last two years, new figures revealed today.
The number of attacks by dogs on postmen across Shropshire and parts of Mid Wales has risen by half again in the last two years, new figures revealed today.
Thirty six attacks on posties took place in the SY postcode area in the last 12 months – 50 per cent higher than two years ago, according to research by the Royal Mail and Communication Workers Union.
However, figures show that in the Telford postcode area, the figure for 2011/12 remained the same as the previous year with 14 attacks recorded.
Officials said the figures were ‘not a laughing matter’.
Darren Thain, safety director for Royal Mail for the Shrewsbury and Telford areas, said: “The number of attacks is unacceptably high and in the SY postcode area, this has risen by 50 per cent.
“Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers and we regularly provide advice to our people to help minimise the risk of an attack and have spent over £100,000 on awareness campaigns and equipment to help reduce the risk of injury.
“However, even just being threatened by an unrestrained pet is a frightening situation for our delivery staff and we would appeal to owners to keep their pets under control, especially if they know their pets have a territorial nature.”
Dave Joyce, CWU national health and safety officer said: “The age old image of the dog attacking the postman is not a laughing matter.
“Thousands of our members are bitten every year and hundreds suffer debilitating injuries every year which leave them with physical and psychological scarring, some with life changing disabilities and all in the course of doing their job.”
Comments for: "Sharp rise in dog attacks on postmen"
H. St. John Peasbody
Perhaps postie could wear a full NBC kit.
Virgil Eastwood
Or perhaps dog owners could act a bit more responsibly ? And you could act less of an idiot ?
Colin.Dodd.
Lighten up a bit Virgil. I don't always agree with HSJP, but I do recognise when he is being ironic.
The solution is in the postmans hands, no deliveries to a house with a hostile dog. Get the 4X4 out and go collect it.
bob
Really feel for the posties. Would I expect to be attacked on a regular basis by the raving mad cook at my workplace with a knife? Simply don't post letters at problem addresses. The irresponsible 'my dog is more likely to lick you to death' owners will have to troop over to the sorting office to pick up their post.
I'm sick of dogs running around public country lanes - my neice was attacked by a sheepdog who decided to chase after her as she was walking with her family. And yes, I was a dog owner in the past and no longer because of the sheer number of feral canines running around free.
The Original Andy
As an ex postie, it is not funny when dogs attack you. It is also downright dangerous. Mr Peasbody, take a sackful of letters and have a go..... Royal Mail will not issue an NBC suit however.
duckie
been a postie for 26 years and it is not an experiance i would want anybody to go through,please remember your dog is not the problem its the owners who should make sure the dog is shut away when we knock the door or that side gates are closed so the dog cannot get round to the front of your property
Shrewsbury Lass
I do think that if you have a territorial dog, or even one who just likes to play with the newspaper(!) then you should ensure that it doesn't bother the postman and/or you put a cage on the back of your front door to protect both the posties hands and incidentally, your post.
I do hope this isnt just seen as all of the dogs being viscous, but the majority of the them just protective of their territory.
Kat de Gama
Just don't let dogs out into the garden until the post has come and gone.
towbar
Solution ?? Issue all posties with tasers,train them and authorise them to use them. Simples!!!