Dogs Attack ‘Seven Postmen And Postwomen Every Day In The UK’

Seven postmen and postwomen are attacked by dogs each day in the UK, according to new figures.

The number of attacks on postal workers by dogs rises 10 per cent during the summer holidays.

This is because children are on their school break so pets are more likely to be in the garden.

Researchers said 2,660 postmen and postwomen are attacked by dogs each year.

Royal Mail found that 27 per cent of parents who own a dog have left their front or back door open while the animal is in the house.

Of the dog attacks in the past year, 36 per cent happened at the front door and 35 per cent in front gardens.

This week is Royal Mail’s Dog Awareness Week, encouraging dog owners to be responsible with their pets.

TV presenter Paul O'Grady said: “Dogs can be quite protective of their owners and homes.

“They believe they are merely defending their property, but it’s important to recognise that this behaviour can sometimes escalate to dog bite incidents with anyone coming to your home, including postmen.

“No one should feel unsafe in the workplace and it’s important we as dog owners, take the necessary steps to give postmen this same respect.”

Shaun Davis, from Royal Mail, said: “As a dog owner myself, I know that the overwhelming majority of dogs are friendly most of the time.

“But even the most placid animal will defend itself if it feels its territory is being threatened.

“Our postmen and women deliver to more than 29 million addresses across the country. We ask them to exercise caution and respect for all family members, including pets when delivering the mail.

“This summer, we are also appealing to dog owners and their families to help reduce the numbers of attacks, particularly at the door and in the garden.”

(Picture: Rex)