Aberdeenshire postal workers at highest risk of animal attac

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Aberdeenshire postal workers at highest risk of animal attacks

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Figures obtained by STV Local under Freedom of Information Act reveal AB postcode worst for dog attacks.

Postmen and women in the north-east were the most likely in Scotland to be attacked by dogs while doing their rounds last year.

A total of 42 postmen and women working in the AB postcode were attacked by animals – six more than in the Glasgow G postcode, figures obtained by STV Local under freedom of information legislation have revealed.

However, this number was a drop compared to the previous year’s figure of 51 – which was still 11 fewer than in Glasgow, which saw 62 postal workers attacked during deliveries.

Overall, there have been 247 attacks by animals on postmen and women in the AB postcode over the past five years. The Glasgow G postcode area had the highest number of attacks since 2007/08 at 291.

In total, there have been 1800 attacks on postal workers by animals across Scotland in the past five years. These incidents have been decreasing on an annual basis with 442 attacks in 2008/09 compared to only 262 in 2011/12.

A spokesman for the Royal Mail Group said: “The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to Royal Mail and whilst we have a legal commitment to deliver to all addresses, we also have a duty under health and safety law to reduce risks and prevent injury to our people.

“Unfortunately, dog attacks are a hazard faced by our postmen and women every working day. These attacks cause great distress and in too many cases serious injuries.

“Our main aim is to prevent attacks. If we feel that there is a risk from a dog, or any other animal, at an individual address, we are committed to working with the customer to agree simple steps to ensure that we can deliver the mail safely.

“We always welcome the cooperation of our customers for taking responsibility for keeping their pets under control. We also regularly communicate with our people about the dangers of dog attacks and provide advice to postmen and women on techniques to minimise harm in the event of an attack.”

The figures for 2012-13 up until October show Glasgow (G) is again leading the way with 31 attacks. Aberdeen (AB) is currently fourth with 11 attacks behind Edinburgh (EH) on 18 and Inverness (IV) 13.