Let's cut the dog attacks on posties, says MP

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Let's cut the dog attacks on posties, says Worcestershire MP

http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/reg ... rshire_MP/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

AN MP in Worcestershire wants to see dog attacks on postal workers cut after finding out there were 20 during the last year in his constituency.

Sir Peter Luff is backing a campaign to encourage householders to do more to protect posties.

In the 12 month period leading up to April, there were 20 recorded dog attacks in Mid-Worcestershire.

Data from Royal Mail shows how there were 3,300 attacks nationwide during the same period.

Mr Luff said: "The number of dog attacks on postal workers across the country is still far too high. "Postal workers are not the only ones facing the risk of being attacked by a dog while carrying out their jobs.

"Volunteers, including politicians, also encounter dogs when out canvassing and leafleting in their local areas.

"I’ve had one or two close shaves myself and I know of many colleagues who have received serious injuries.

"The tendency can be to laugh at 'dog bites postie' stories, but there is absolutely nothing funny about it."

As part of Dog Awareness Week, which ended last Friday, an event was held in Parliament to provide MPs with advice on how to react around dogs when out in their constituencies.

Royal Mail has also published the results of a survey of MPs and about their personal experiences of being bitten by one.

The survey found that politicians face similar risks of being attacked by a dog to postal workers when out canvassing or delivering leaflets.

Just over half of the near-50 respondents revealed they had an incident with a dog.

Shaun Davis, Royal Mail group director of health, said: "Nobody should face this hazard whilst simply trying to do their job.

"Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers."