Dog Awareness Week

Our Dog Awareness Week (25-30 June) aims to raise awareness of the issue of dog attacks on postmen and women and encourage responsible dog ownership including tips for dog owners.

CWU national health and safety officer Dave Joyce said: ‘The failure of some dog owners to control their animals remains a major concern for postal workers and the public.

‘The number of attacks, with yearly hospital admissions for dog bites, increased by 76% between 2006-2016. Seven postal workers are attacked by dogs every working day of the year which is unacceptable.

‘The whole idea of Dog Awareness Week is to highlight the problem and the repercussions for dog owners and the victims, many of whom are seriously injured. More and more dog attacks happen on postal workers at the front door or in the front garden and that number is increasing as we deliver more online purchased parcels.

‘We are appealing to all customers who are dog owners to work with us and think twice when the postman calls. Put the dog away in a secure room before opening the door to collect and sign for your delivery.

‘The vast majority of our customers and their dogs aren't a problem but irresponsible and reckless dog owners are. Customers are always pleased to see the postman or woman arrive as they’re eager to take delivery of the goods they’ve ordered but thousands of them unfortunately don’t give a second thought to the postal worker’s safety by putting the dog in a safe, secure place.

‘There are tough court penalties and a criminal record for irresponsible dog owners including prison and unlimited fines so it’s in their best interest in more ways than one to make sure the dog doesn’t bite the postman or woman.’

To help promote dog safety, a special Dog Awareness Week postmark will be applied to all stamped items from Monday 25 June to Saturday 30 June.

Royal Mail’s Dog Awareness Week is supported by the CWU and a wide range of organisations and animal charities including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Dogs Trust, the National Police Chief’s Council and the National Dog Warden Association.

‘Royal Mail staff have the right to carry out their daily duties in safety, they should not be at risk of being attacked by uncontrolled dogs when delivering the post,’ said Sue Bell, President of the National Dog Warden Association.

‘Dog attacks on Royal Mail staff can be reduced by the keepers of dogs simply acting responsibly to ensure that their dogs do not present a risk when the post is being delivered. This can be as simple as:

• Keeping dogs away from the letterbox
• Not opening the front door with your dog is not under close control
• Not allowing dogs to roam around the garden.

‘Following the above advice is easy, failing to follow this simple advice increases the risk of an attack on Royal Mail staff, attacks that are preventable,’ added Sue Bell.

Always remember to AVOID a dog attack by:

A – avoid any interaction with dogs

V – value yourself: don’t put yourself at risk

O – observe: keep your walk log up to date

I -  inform others of potential risks

D – defend yourself if necessary, using your delivery equipment.