Royal Mail worker ‘will never be the same’ after Bristol dog attack

The number of dog attacks on postal workers was down 8% in the last year, but around half happened at the front door, a 4% increase.

One in four incidents took place in a garden, drive or yard and there were 135 attacks in the street or road. Attacks through a letterbox caused 324 injuries.

Lizz Lloyd, health and safety director at Royal Mail, said: “While it’s encouraging to see dog attacks on our colleagues fall by 8% last year, these incidents remain a serious risk to postal workers, resulting in painful injuries and lasting distress.

“We continue to raise awareness of the issue among the public, but preventing attacks starts at the doorstep.

“We’re urging dog owners to take simple steps, such as keeping pets secure before opening the door, to help keep our people safe,” she added.

Davies said using dog gates or setting up an external letterbox can also help.