Royal Mail appeal to prevent postmen attacks in Halifax

Around five postmen and women were attacked across the HX postcode area by dogs from April 2013 to April 2014, a 400 per cent increase on the previous year.

Royal Mail wants to encourage responsible dog ownership and to appeal to dog owners to keep animals under control when the postman calls.

Rob Jenson, Operations Director North, Royal Mail said: “Following the success of last year’s campaign, there is growing awareness of the issue of dog attacks and the problems our postmen and women face when they are delivering the mail. However, last year there were still too many incidents in the HX postcode area and we need to reduce this number further as even one dog attack on our people is one too many.

“We know 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.

“Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers.

“We appeal to dog owners in the HX postcode area to keep their pets under control, especially if they know their pets have a territorial nature. It can also be simple things that help - for example just making sure the dog is kept inside when the postman calls.”

Royal Mail is working in partnership with the Communications Workers Union (CWU) and the campaign is supported by a wide range of organisations and animal charities including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, National Animal Welfare Trust, The Association of Chief Police Officers and the National Dog Wardens Association.

Dog Awareness Week, which runs from 30 June to 4 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.

New legislation means owners can now be prosecuted for dog attacks that take place on private property.

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.