Posties get new weapon in war with dogs

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstop ... -dogs.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Postmen are being armed with a new weapon which could hand them a crucial advantage in their perennial battle with dogs.

Royal Mail delivery staff are being equipped with a device which releases compressed air and makes a hissing sound designed to scare off dogs.

It comes as new figures reveal the number of postal workers attacked by dogs while on their rounds increased by almost 20 per cent last year.

In 2008/09, there were 4,810 attacks on staff – a rate of 92 per week – compared with 4,067 the previous year.

The statistics have been released by the Royal Mail along with copies of guidance given to staff on how to protect themselves.

This includes the instruction: "Never enter premises where a dog is loose. Even the most friendly dog is likely to view your approach as a possible threat."

When postmen do find themselves confronted by a dog, they are told to position their bag between themselves and the animal to fend off any attack.

They are told to back away slowly, but not to turn and run, as this could trigger a chase response in the animal. Staff are also urged not to stare at the dog.

Many postal staff already carry peppermint spray, which releases a cloud of gas intended to distract and disorientate dogs for up to 20 minutes.

It can be requested by any concerned employee, but postal workers have said it is difficult to use when being attacked.

The new spray works in a different way. A Royal Mail spokesman said: "The device releases air at speed, creating a hissing noise which is designed to pull the dog up and stop its progress."

It is being trialled by staff in south-east England and could be rolled out nationwide if it produces good results.

The spokesman added: "This is something we take extremely seriously, and we give training to staff about ways to deal with dogs."

The Royal Mail is at a loss to explain the recent increase in dog attacks, but it comes at a time when animal welfare organisations have warned about the rise in the numbers of "weapon dogs", or aggressive animals used as status symbols.

Each attack on a postal worker is logged and owners of aggressive animals are contacted by Royal Mail. Injured staff are eligible for compensation under a Dog Attacks Compensation Scheme for any overtime or shift allowances which they miss as a result.
Some staff have been seriously wounded. In 2008, Keith Davies had to undergo a six-hour operation after being attacked by two rottweilers while delivering post in Cambridge.

A spokeswoman for the Communication Workers Union, said: "It is one of the biggest health and safety issues that delivery staff face. We're well aware that it got worse last year.

"It can be very traumatising for workers not knowing what is behind the garden gate or the letter box."

The union has launched the "Bite-Back" Campaign, calling for changes in the law on dangerous dogs to give postal workers greater protection while on private property.

[DGP1]

The Royal Mail is at a loss to explain the recent increase in dog attacks

Anyone want to hazard a guess as to why?

Would it be anything to do with being out much later when people have their dogs out together with unfamiliar posties on routes who don't know what dogs will and won't react to you


PS. If you're carrying a bag of mail then how can you get this 'airhorn' out in time to use it before the dog actually attacks

[fishtank]

I would advise anyone against using any of these sprays or devices.
As well as giving you a false sense of security they will more likely p!ss the dog off even more.
Now if they were to issue a .44 Magnum.........

[smokerjim]

I would advise anyone against using any of these sprays or devices.
As well as giving you a false sense of security they will more likely p!ss the dog off even more.
Now if they were to issue a .44 Magnum.........

I've been advocating the standard issue of Webley .38 revolvers for ages ( a .44 Mag might be too powerful, especially for the ladies in the profession ) but ex-MOW / MOD revolvers, would be supporting British industry, would be recycling an discarded product, and would be simple and reliable to operate.....and for the ladies & gents of "greater experience" ( aka, the ol' bastids, with coke bottle bottoms for spectacle lenses ) why not issue a 12G semi automatic shotgun, with the barrel cut to 24" ( legal limit IIRC ).....with 21gram cartridges that's stop any furry sharks from biting ( and in the case of a misfire, you could still butt strike the mutt ). Obviously the increased weight would mean a reduction in bag weight from 16kg max to maybe 8kg max, which would mean more time spent on replenishment, less time delivering ( which could mean smaller rounds / more cut-offs )

I'm not obsessed with getting hold of a shooter in work btw

[DGP1]

I would advise anyone against using any of these sprays or devices.
As well as giving you a false sense of security they will more likely p!ss the dog off even more.
Now if they were to issue a .44 Magnum.........

I've been advocating the standard issue of Webley .38 revolvers for ages ( a .44 Mag might be too powerful, especially for the ladies in the profession ) but ex-MOW / MOD revolvers, would be supporting British industry, would be recycling an discarded product, and would be simple and reliable to operate.....and for the ladies & gents of "greater experience" ( aka, the ol' bastids, with coke bottle bottoms for spectacle lenses ) why not issue a 12G semi automatic shotgun, with the barrel cut to 24" ( legal limit IIRC ).....with 21gram cartridges that's stop any furry sharks from biting ( and in the case of a misfire, you could still butt strike the mutt ). Obviously the increased weight would mean a reduction in bag weight from 16kg max to maybe 8kg max, which would mean more time spent on replenishment, less time delivering ( which could mean smaller rounds / more cut-offs )

I'm not obsessed with getting hold of a shooter in work btw

I'd prefer the Walther PPK..................that way I can do the James Bond finishing move

The names' Disgruntled.................Disgruntled Postie (insert theme tune here)

[smokerjim]

Don't be such a bloody girl, Dodgy ( and 9mm is a girl's round ), and anyway, I don't know if you have ever served ( I haven't - stricly Walty, me ), but what you need is equipment that is as close to squaddy proof as possible - automatics have lots of moving parts, that if not cared for can easily jam a gun - revolvers don't have that problem ( but just like an auto, if you don't clean them, they will eventually explode and blow your bloody hand off - and it won't get classed as an AOD....I digress ).....and if it doesn't fire, they are usually big enough to club any beasts to death with!

As for ammunition, the old British .38 isn't the best ( but it would pass muster ), but a S&W .38 Special would send any bad dogs to the great dog house in the sky with no bother.....if you absolutely, postively needed to get an auto ( FK why ) get one chambered for .40S&W ( decent stopping power, without ripping your hand off at the wrist - like a .50AE ).....anyway, let me know what you get - especially as you are permitted to get a gun for self defence in NI - and carry it with you!

[baldrick]

If posties got hold of shooters I fear there would a dramatic increase in 'going postal' shootings.

[smokerjim]

If posties got hold of shooters I fear there would a dramatic increase in 'going postal' shootings.

Yeah and,.....?

C'mon, as long as you come in, do your job, try not to consistently p*ss on my chips, I'd have no bother with you - but if you be a strutting little Hitler, whinge and complain and say you're putting in a grievence against the driver ( and assitant rep! ) about your last bag being 30mins late at 11:30 ( true story in our office ), cross picket lines while laughing at fellow union members on the line, dumping 4, 5, 6 bags of mail in your car for delivery, f**k me around with PITA walks ( especially when I've come in on my day off - or not ask me to work my day off, cos I walked out when switched from a reasonable duty to a PITA one ) ( this list is not exhaustive btw ) then I might have a problem to which might need to be dealt with with "extreme prejudice"

BTW, all those that feel in danger are perfectly safe.....unless you see me with a bag of King Edwards ( that'd be a good time to run like f*ck )

[DGP1]

Don't be such a bloody girl, Dodgy ( and 9mm is a girl's round ), and anyway, I don't know if you have ever served ( I haven't - stricly Walty, me ), but what you need is equipment that is as close to squaddy proof as possible - automatics have lots of moving parts, that if not cared for can easily jam a gun - revolvers don't have that problem ( but just like an auto, if you don't clean them, they will eventually explode and blow your bloody hand off - and it won't get classed as an AOD....I digress ).....and if it doesn't fire, they are usually big enough to club any beasts to death with!

As for ammunition, the old British .38 isn't the best ( but it would pass muster ), but a S&W .38 Special would send any bad dogs to the great dog house in the sky with no bother.....if you absolutely, postively needed to get an auto ( FK why ) get one chambered for .40S&W ( decent stopping power, without ripping your hand off at the wrist - like a .50AE ).....anyway, let me know what you get - especially as you are permitted to get a gun for self defence in NI - and carry it with you!

SJ, I think you spend too much time thinking about this anyway, if you want a big one then................
I really hope that's photoshopped

[fishtank]

How about the Glock 18C for multiple attacks.

pitbulls.jpg

images18.jpg

Problem Solved.

[smokerjim]

Fishtank, that is tempting ( as it is full auto capable ) but a good, solid, simple revolver would do for me

Dodgy, you can have too much of a good thing ( if it wasn't for 16kg bags, I doubt I'd be able to aim it at a mad dog! )

[fishtank]

vehicle_gal1.jpg

Could you mount this on the back of the new Peugeot Bipper.

pvc_vu2pa900j0_1x.gif

Park and loop with a difference.

[smokerjim]

I'd give that a go.....better yet, modify an M40 grenade laucher, into a MkI Post Launcher

[baldrick]

Dodgy, you can have too much of a good thing

He aint Dodgy, he's Disgruntled. (Though he might be dodgy too).

[smokerjim]

Dodgy, you can have too much of a good thing

He aint Dodgy, he's Disgruntled. (Though he might be dodgy too).

Did you not see his post today in the keep your spirits up thread? Read it and tell me he's not dodgy! Anyway, DG is too close phonetically to be a coincidence