Seven dog attacks a day on postal workers 'far too high' - Royal Mail

The Royal Mail has revealed that its postmen and women have suffered over 14,500 attacks by dogs over the last five years - more than 2,500 already this year alone.

The company made the announcement at the start of its fifth annual Dog Awareness Week, during which it works with Dogs Trust and the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to try to encourage responsible dog ownership.

James Reynolds, a postman in north London, was attacked by a dog while on his rounds last year, and is still awaiting compensation after bites to his thigh and arm.

"People think it's funny," he told Sky News. "Oh, the dog's chasing the postman - but trust me, it's not funny. Every time I see a large dog now when I'm delivering, I freeze."

One owner was recently fined £8,800 after his dog injured a postwoman's fingers as she put letters through the door.

Dr Shaun Davis, Royal Mail's group global director of safety, health, well-being and sustainability, said the company knows most dogs aren't dangerous, and they're not singling out particular breeds - but they do want to give people some simple tips, since over 70% of attacks on postal workers happen in the front garden or porch.

"Things like perhaps feeding the dog at the time the delivery postman or woman would normally come, or keeping the dog in another room in the house or part of the garden," he said.

Dr Davis added that if a dog is particularly agitated or upset by post falling through the box, owners could consider fitting a cage to the back of it to catch the letters, or putting an external postbox outside.

There is some good news for postal workers - dog attacks on Royal Mail delivery staff have fallen by 7% on the previous year, but Royal Mail says every attack is one too many, and an average of seven still happen every day.