Postman attacked by Rhos dog while on round

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/125317 ... round.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?

A POSTMAN out on deliveries has been attacked by a pet dog.

The postie needed hospital treatment after being bitten a number of times by a German Shepherd and was left badly bruised and shaken.

He is now recovering from his ordeal at home following the attack in Ffordd Powys, off Gardden Road, Rhos, Wrexham.

The Royal Mail said the injuries were sustained after a dog leapt over a fence and attacked the postman in the road.

The dog involved in the Friday lunchtime attack is a four-year-old white German Shepherd bitch called Sparkles. Her owner, Matthew Gillam, 23, of Ffordd Powys, said he was deeply sorry for what happened.

“I know the postman who was bitten – my father is a postman and works with him,” he said.

“The postman knows Sparkles and has a good relationship with her. He is a dog lover himself.

“I was away camping when it happened. Sparkles has just had pups and my mother-in-law-to-be was looking after the dogs.

“Sparkles jumped over the gate. I don’t know why, but I think she must have done it to be protective. She is not an aggressive dog. She has a lovely nature.”

Mr Gillam said he had spoken to the postman and he does not want further action taken against Sparkles.

“I am Sparkles’ owner and I accept the responsibility,” added Mr Gillam. “I will take precautions to ensure an incident like this never happens again.”

Mike Jones, Royal Mail manager, said: “I can confirm one of my postmen was attacked from behind by a German Shepherd cross. The postman was knocked to the ground and was bitten several times.

“He was taken to hospital for treatment and although thankfully he suffered no broken bones, he was badly bruised and shaken.”

The Royal Mail has taken steps to prevent a repeat incident.

“We have suspended deliveries to the dog owner’s address and I have advised my postmen and women to be extra vigilant when delivering in this area,” added Mr Jones.

“This incident, a particularly nasty and frightening one for the postman, re-emphasises the messages we highlighted during the recent Dog Awareness Week, about the need for dog owners to ensure their pets are under control at all times when the postman, or any other member of the public, are in the area.”

Cllr Mark Owens, whose Pant ward covers the area where the incident took place, said: “It is very worrying to hear of this incident. It could have been a child or a pensioner.

“This should not be happening to a postman when doing his duty.

“I am begging people to keep their dogs under control and I am going to try and make sure the dog wardens are visible in the area.”