Mutts about safety
Now that the Easter holidays have begun, it is important to remember that many customers will be spending more time outside, as will their dogs.
During the school holidays, colleagues incur a significant rise in animal-related attacks, many of which can result in life-changing injuries.
Dog owners and, in particular, children, can underestimate the impact of their actions when animals are not restrained prior to opening their front doors to either receive or sign for an item of mail.
During 2017-18 Royal Mail incurred 2,275 dog-related attacks resulting in both physical and psychological injuries. The 2014 changes to the Dangerous Dog Act in England and Wales means that legislation now ensures postmen and women have legal protection over attacks by dogs when they enter private property, including a customer’s garden.
Generally speaking, dogs are not inherently dangerous, but they can become prone to attack if they feel themselves or their territory are being threatened. This Easter holiday, we are reminding customers that if they have a dog in their household, it is their responsibility as owners to avoid putting their dogs in those situations and to exercise caution prior to opening their front doors.
Colleagues must always remember to AVOID dog attacks by:
- A - avoiding any interaction with dogs
- V - valuing yourself: don’t put yourself at risk
- O - observe: keep your walk log up to date
- I - inform others of potential risk
- D - defend yourself if necessary, using your delivery equipment.
