Royal Mail have launched their annual Dog Awareness week, to raise understanding of the issue of dog attacks on our Posties. On average around nine postmen and women a day are attacked by dogs across the UK with over 3,300 attacks taking place from April 2013 to April 2014, an 8% increase on the previous year.
On average around 9 postmen and women a day are attacked by dogs across the UK with over 3,300 attacks taking place from April 2013 to April 2014, some leading to a permanent disabling injury. The number of attacks has risen by 8% nationally since 2012.
These 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.
Dog Awareness Week, which runs from the 30th of June to the 4th of July, aims to raise understanding of dog attacks on postmen and women and other members of public. It will highlight the need for responsible dog ownership as well as appealing to dog owners to keep animals under control when the postman calls to over 29 million addresses across the UK.
It’s worth noting the change in the law which now means it’s a criminal offence if a dog attacks the postman or woman on private property with tougher penalties and prison sentences for the dog owner.
Members of Parliament, councillors, political activists and other campaigners are also at risk from dog attacks when out canvassing and leafleting in their local areas. In a survey of Members of Parliament, Royal Mail heard from more than 50 MPs who have personal experiences of dog attacks.
Activities will be taking place during Dog Awareness Week
• Royal Mail postmen and women speak about their own experiences of dog attacks.
• Dog Awareness posters will be in place in all Royal Mail enquiry office’s giving dog owners tips on how they can help.
• A dedicated advice page on the Royal Mail website for dog owners.
• Dogs Trust will be holding question and answer sessions on their Facebook pages with their behaviourists.
• Visits to delivery offices by MPs to share experiences and best practice.
3 Responses
are you saying that ONLY 50 mp’s have been bitten by dogs?
does this exclude feckless parliamentary watchdog poodles?
go – fido – go!!!!!
dogs in liverpool named after suarez
could be in trouble lol
Generally the problem is not the dog, its usually the owner! Anything the educates owners can only be a good thing.
My postie told me a joke:
Q: What’s the difference between your wife and your dog?
A: The dog is always happy to see you!