Dogs responsible for 187 attacks on posties delivering mail

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Dogs responsible for 187 attacks on posties delivering mail last year

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Dogs have been responsible for 187 attacks on posties as they deliver mail across Scotland.

Although the numbers have fallen by 24% since 2011, there have been 5500 attacks of Royal Mail employees across the UK.

The number of incidents rise during the school holidays and summer when dogs are sometimes allowed in the garden or streets without supervision.

The Royal Mail have launched Dog Awareness Week to try and reduce the number of attacks and injuries.

Posties have been given posting pegs, which allow them to put post through the letterbox while protecting their fingers.

They are also giving tips to dog owners on how to control their pets, including taking them out for a walk when the postman comes.

Steve Greaves said: "Last year across the country the number of dog attacks on our people fell. However there were still over 187 incidents in Scotland and we need to reduce this number further as even one dog attack on our people is one dog attack too many.

"Clearly 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."

The company are working with the Communication Workers Union, who have been campaigning for more to be done on the issue.

Dave Joyce, from the union, said: "Royal Mail staff really are at the sharp end of dog attacks, with thousands suffering injuries each year which range from minor scratches to lost fingers, severe scarring and psychological issues.

"It's especially important during the school holidays when children may let dogs out. Your pet will react very differently to your postman or woman than to your own family and behaviour can be unpredictable - we've seen it all too often. Please think and act to prevent the opportunity of an attack."