Loose Dogs Scenario...

[Up Hill Down Hill]

As a leave reserve I have no idea what dogs are safe, what aren't or where they even are. My manager says refardless of the dog you do not go through the gate if one is out... I have done in the past but have stopped recently. This results in people not getting there mail... On the odd occasions I have left mail on their property over their fence/gate but had a complaint today for doing such.

I'm in a dilemma now as to wether or not I should risk going through the gate (it's only a small dog apparently - like that matters!) or writing dos loose and not delivering? I tried to do them a favour by leaving them their mail but came out getting grief myself. Should I fell guilty for taking the mail back even though the dogs considered safe?

[fed_up_postie]

Do the job properly write dog at large, the date and time on the mail and return it to the delivery office and report it to your line manager. Dont risk your job by doing people favours as if anything goes missing you are to blame.

[Up Hill Down Hill]

Thought that was the case... Suppose you can only do people favours until it doesn't suit them... Looks like some mail will be getting returned more often then!

[Pat Ostman]

Good idea, yes always mark as dog loose and return to DO.

[k979aaa]

Thought that was the case... Suppose you can only do people favours until it doesn't suit them... Looks like some mail will be getting returned more often then!

Why do a favour's for fools that do not have the consideration for you or others!.

[eian687]

if the dogs out i don't go in no matter what the size...........
if you open the gate you might get bit............or the dog may do a runner, then the owner gets well p*ssed off
or what if the dog runs out to bite a kiddie or runs into the road
DOG OUT MAIL BACK TO OFFICE SIMPLE AS THAT

[brothermagrew]

As a leave reserve I have no idea what dogs are safe, what aren't or where they even are. My manager says refardless of the dog you do not go through the gate if one is out... I have done in the past but have stopped recently. This results in people not getting there mail... On the odd occasions I have left mail on their property over their fence/gate but had a complaint today for doing such.

I'm in a dilemma now as to wether or not I should risk going through the gate (it's only a small dog apparently - like that matters!) or writing dos loose and not delivering? I tried to do them a favour by leaving them their mail but came out getting grief myself. Should I fell guilty for taking the mail back even though the dogs considered safe?

Let me make it crystal clear for you so that you are under no further apprehension.

Part of Royal Mail's current Policy on Dealing with Dog attacks states the following:
Delivery staff and other staff working outdoors understand that they are under no obligation to collect or deliver mail to an address where they feel threatened by a dog at large and that every attack or incident of menacing must be reported to management.

Again from Royal Mail Policy:
Our policy is quite clear with regards to ferocious animals. No member of staff is expected to deliver to premises where there is good reason to suppose there is a risk of attack and injury from an animal, whether it be a dog, goat, cat or goose.

The following is the endorsement procedure required on any item undeliverable due to 'dog loose'.
Upon your return to the office, inform me (DOM) or your Section Manager that you have been unable to deliver mail due to a loose dog. Ensure that you have placed the 'unable to deliver' sticker on the item and have signed and dated it. I (DOM) may ask for a further delivery attempt on the next available delivery. If this is unsuccessful I (DOM) will make contact with the owner to advise them of the situation.

Delivery hazard cards are available and should be placed on the delivery walk to warn others of any problem animals. The available stickers can be used by persons not familiar with the duty to remind them of the potential hazard whilst on delivery.

And as others have rightfully said it is not about doing people favours it is about doing the job properly.

[Up Hill Down Hill]

Only really states dangerous dogs... I feel petty for not delivering to houses where the dog doesn't appear to be dangerous

[randompostman]

Only really states dangerous dogs... I feel petty for not delivering to houses where the dog doesn't appear to be dangerous

just because a dogs small dont mean its not dangerous i think far more people get bitten by the small dogs that seem friendly just because of that thinking dont do it.

[brothermagrew]

Only really states dangerous dogs... I feel petty for not delivering to houses where the dog doesn't appear to be dangerous

Far from it, on reading, it says where they feel threatened by a dog at large. End off the day only the postie who comes across such daily decisions whilst out on delivery has to assess each particular given ocassion, it's their individual choice either to enter when the dog doesn't appear to be dangerous, or not enter where in their individual opinion they feel threatened by the dog that they can see is out roaming in the garden. All dogs have the propensity to be dangerous perhaps something you should remember not to forget. It is not about being petty for not delivering to the houses it is about through your acts or omissions. Let's say if the dog is out in the garden and in clear view, are you really going to take the chance of not being attacked and bitten. You decide to enter the premises knowing that FIDO is out and are for argument sake attacked and badly bitten and after getting clear inform your DOM off the attack. What do you think the DOM will say, I have clearly told all members of staff not to enter any premises where dogs are known to be at large as it is not worth putting yourself at risk. Royal Mail have made the provisions in their policy in Dealing with Dog Attacks.

[emmaa_uk]

whats the policy for a dog that comes running fall speed at you out of the house and rips your trousers because some arsehead has left the door open and then another day has the audacity to say you are late?!!!

[kanuuuuuu]

whats the policy for a dog that comes running fall speed at you out of the house and rips your trousers because some arsehead has left the door open and then another day has the audacity to say you are late?!!!

did you report this ?

[97gaz]

A little tip as far as dogs go. If you meet a dog while it is with the owner and it is ok, do not assume that said dog is going to be fine when the owner is not present. This has happened to me on more than one occasion .

[97gaz]

And..This is what gets me about RM managers. The OP has been told by his DOM not to enter if a dog is out (correct) yet there is a post in the Union Room where the OP has been told by manager that he can't do anything about a dog until it bites someone (incorrect). A bit consistency please RM.

I will tell you this though. Regardless of what a manager or RM policy says ,if I feel threatened by a dog,cat,goose or whatever then they don't get any mail that day. Simple as that!

[Pat Ostman]

I will tell you this though. Regardless of what a manager or RM policy says ,if I feel threatened by a dog,cat,goose or whatever then they don't get any mail that day. Simple as that!

And quite right as well.