Sunderland posties campaign against dog attacks

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SUNDERLAND posties are backing a campaign to stop them being attacked by dogs.

According to the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU), there have been 23,000 dog attacks nationally over the last four years – which works out at 12 every day.

About 70 per cent of the attacks take place on private property.

In the 12 months from April 2011 to April 2012, 13 workers carrying out deliveries in the SR postcode area were attacked by dogs – up 10 per cent from the same period the year before.

Now bosses are calling for more protection for their staff.

The Bite Back campaign wants to see new UK-wide consolidated and strengthened dog control laws which prevent dog attacks on postal and telecom employees, other workers, children and the public.

It also wants the laws to apply everywhere, including private property, and the introduction of new preventative Dog Control Notices (DCNs) to be issued by dog wardens and police officers. Compulsory microchipping of all dogs is another objective of the campaign.

Postal workers in an area of Salford, in Greater Manchester, recently took the unusual step of cancelling deliveries in a certain area because of one aggressive dog.

Gary Errington, branch secretary for the North East branch of the CWU, said: “Whilst I have seen media reports regarding the mail suspension in the Salford area due to a dangerous dog, I cannot comment directly on that due to not being in possession of all the facts.

“However, it is demonstrative that Royal Mail, with the full support of the CWU, are prepared to take appropriate steps to protect their employees from the hazard of dangerous and out-of-control dogs.

“The CWU support any effective and proportionate steps to protect our members from the menace of dog attacks.

“The CWU nationally have been campaigning for a number of years in what is known as the Bite Back campaign.”

Postmen and woman ask that dog owners keep their pets indoors when the postman or woman arrives, or, if they have to sign for a delivery, keep it in another room when opening the front door.