41 dog attacks on postmen in Plymouth in a year

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41 postmen and women were attacked in Plymouth over the 12 months to April 2014, a 14 per cent increase year on year.

The figures have been released by Royal Mail for the group's annual Dog Awareness Week.

It comes just days after it was revealed Norwich Avenue in Plymouth has had its postal service suspended after attacks by a dog on three postal workers.

New legislation means owners can now be prosecuted for dog attacks that take place on private property

Alison Seabeck MP for Plymouth, Moor View said: "Having been bitten by a dog myself when out leafleting I am well aware of the dangers postmen and women face when they are out delivering the mail to my constituents.

"The change in law means everyone is protected should they be attacked whilst carrying out their job which I am sure is welcomed by postie and activist alike."

Royal Mail has launched the annual Dog Awareness Week in the PL postcode area, working in partnership with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) with support from a wide range of organisations and animal charities including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, National Animal Welfare Trust, the Association of Chief Police Officers and the National Dog Wardens Association.

Attacks rise during the school holidays and in the summer months when parents and children are at home and dogs are sometimes allowed unsupervised in the garden, or out onto the street without restraints.

Delivery Director Jonathan Pain said: “Following the success of last year’s campaign, there is growing awareness of the issue of dog attacks and the problems our postmen and women face when they are delivering the mail. However, last year there were still too many incidents in the PL postcode area and we need to reduce this number further as even one dog attack on our people is one too many.

“We know that most dogs are not inherently dangerous, however, even the most placid animal can be prone to attack if it feels its territory is being threatened. Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers. We appeal to dog owners in the PL postcode area to keep their pets under control, especially if they know their pets have a territorial nature. It can also be simple things that help - for example just making sure the dog is kept inside when the postman calls.”

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.

Here are some ideas to help your postman deliver your post in safety:

• 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.