Terrified West Lothian courier mauled by two dogs in just three days

Cara Blackhall

13 June 2024 at 0:01 pm·3-min read

A West Lothian courier driver mauled by dogs twice in one week has issued a plea to owners during the summer months.

Keith Carlyon was making deliveries on Monday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 12, when he claims he was 'attacked' by dogs while attempting to drop off parcels.

The frustrated 56-year-old said he was bitten on the stomach after he walked up the garden path of one property on Monday. He was then allegedly bitten again on Wednesday leaving him "scared" to approach homes with dogs.

Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Keith said his injuries could have been "a lot worse" but hopes to spread awareness of how common the danger is for delivery drivers.

He said: "On Monday, a dog ran out of the door of a house and was trying to get at me but I had a parcel in my hand. The dog then mauled the parcel and also got a nip at me.

"It honestly could have been a lot worse if I didn't have a parcel between me and the dog but I really did get a fright. On Wednesday, I heard two dogs barking behind the door and because of what happened to me on Monday, I ran up the garden path and they then chased me.

"The owner then started throwing nasty words at me. It was just pure arrogance really, they kept saying it was my fault.

"It's happening on a daily basis to couriers and delivery drivers and I think a lot of people think it's funny but it's really not. I haven't been attacked in a very long time but the fact it's happened to me twice this week is crazy."

Keith used to have a dog himself and his main grudge is with the owners who "assume" their dog will be friendly to everyone.

He added: "The bite is still sore now and it's tingling. Because the summer months are coming in now, I am wearing shorts so there is nothing to protect my legs. I also spoke to a post man the other day who said he has had 10 attacks in one year.

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"When you hear a dog bark, you’re worried about what reaction you’re going to get and whether the dog is going to come running out the door. I mean nine times out of 10, it’s not the dogs, it comes down to the owners arrogance that they think that’s okay.

"I like dogs, I had a dog myself for years before he sadly passed and I would never have let him run out the door. If somebody is at the door, owners can't just assume that their dogs are going to be friendly because dogs can change in an instant.

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"Not everyone likes dogs and if this keeps happening, couriers will just stop delivering to these premises.

"I know that the two homes I delivered to in the last few days, I will not be going back to. I just want to spread awareness for people to keep their dogs under control."

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