Ask a vet: my dog bit the postman

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_a ... 725064.ece" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A couple of days ago our dog was in the front garden when the postman arrived. Toffee usually barks at him but this time she managed to bite him on the rump. His clothes were torn and he was furious. What are the likely consequences of this. I presume we cannot be prosecuted because the dog was not on public property

Jon Bowen

A The Post Office may refuse to make any further deliveries to your home, but it may just give you a warning. If postal workers need to enter your front garden to make a delivery then it is your duty to enable them to do this in safety. So, although your front garden is not public property, it is a kind of public space. What happens next will depend on the seriousness of the bite and whether the postal worker, or his employer, decides to take it farther. If there is a complaint to the police, you will be interviewed and asked to provide a statement. After examining the evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service may decide to prosecute and you will receive a summons within six months of the incident. From now on you must never leave your dog unattended in the front garden, and you should get professional advice regarding her behaviour. Get your dog checked by the vet in case she is behaving oddly owing to illness. Lastly, you should contact the Post Office and find out what is happening; be prepared to consult a solicitor if it is likely to take matters farther.

Jon Bowen, Royal Veterinary College

[andy2007]

What a selfish individual! All this concern about potential legal implications, but no mention of how the Postie is!

It's been a couple of days, but the dog owner, has failed to mention whether the Postie is still at work, or not.

[DGP1]

Sounds like a typical Tory boy, it was the postmans fault for coming on my property. I hope the postman concerned sues them for a few grand.