Dog attacks on postal workers decrease

The number of dog attacks on postmen and women across Glasgow has dropped.

In the G postcode around 34 postmen and women were attacked by dogs from April 2017 to April 2018, down 17 per cent on the previous year.

During Royal Mail’s sixth successive Dog Awareness week – which takes place until June 30, it is appealing to dog owners to ensure they understand the impact of dog attacks on postmen and women who are only doing their job.

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Dr Shaun Davis, Royal Mail Group global director of Safety, Health, Wellbeing & Sustainability said: “One attack is still one attack too many. Our research continues to show that attacks happen most often in the summer, so we are continuing our campaign to appeal to customers to help us cut attacks across the UK.

“I am pleased that the overall dog attacks numbers continue to fall, but I am still very concerned that in some postcodes attacks are on the increase. I am appealing to dog owners to think twice when the postman calls.

“Royal Mail knows 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.”

Dr Davis continued: “Dog attacks have a devastating effect on our people and on our customers and we hope we can make a further impact in these areas. We will also be rolling out new interactive training for our people in the hotspot areas to try and help us to do that.

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“But people should remember that 82 per cent of attacks happen at the front door or in the garden so this is not just a Royal Mail issue, many other delivery, and utility companies and local authorities face the same problem.”

Jenna Kiddle Dogs Trust canine behaviour manager, added: “It’s worrying that there are so many dog bites recorded on postal workers, but the 8 per cent reduction is a step in the right direction and one we can hopefully bring down even further.

“As summer approaches and we all spend more time in the garden, there is a brilliant opportunity to work with your dog on their recall and behaviour around strangers visiting the home.”

Visit www.royalmail.com/dogawareness for hints and tips on dog safety.