DOG attacks on postal workers in Coventry and Warwickshire have fallen but Royal Mail bosses say more can be done to prevent them.
The CV postcode saw 18 postmen and women attacked in the 12 months to April – down just over a third on the previous year. Nationwide 2,275 attacks were reported – down eight per cent.
But while Royal Mail bosses say the reduction is encouraging they still believe more can be done to prevent attacks. On average there are still 44 attacks each week in the UK some leading to a permanent and disabling injuries.
To raise further awareness, Royal Mail’s sixth annual Dog Awareness Week aims to encourage responsible dog ownership
and offer tips to householders.
Royal Mail is appealing to dog owners in the CV postcode area to ensure they understand the impact dog attacks can have on postal workers as the school summer holiday approaches – when attacks peak as children and parents are at home and dogs are more likely to be out in the garden when post is delivered.
Householders are being urged to keep dogs away from the letterbox; to ensure they are under control when opening the front door, and to not allow them to roam free around the garden.
Dr Shaun Davis, Royal Mail’s director of health and safety safety, said: “One attack is still one attack too many. Our research continues to show that attacks happen most often in the summer, so we are continuing our campaign to appeal to customers to help us cut attacks.
“I am appealing to dog owners to think twice when the postman calls. Royal Mail knows 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.”
