Pet owners savage advice

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/P ... 6392356.jp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Dog owners in the Alfreton area have savaged a letter from the Post Office warning them to control their pets.
The letter, sent by the Royal Mail on Tuesday June 22, describes itself as a "precautionary measure" and advises owners that "postal staff may have difficulty in delivering mail to your address due to dogs being loose on or around the property."

But dog owners say they object to being accused of irresponsible behaviour.

Samantha Beal, an ex-dog warden who used to give dog-safety advice to postal workers at the Westway depot in Somercotes, thinks the Royal Mail should target the problem dog-owners or re-phrase the letter.

She said: "This is an insult to responsible dog owners. At least 12 people have received this letter - one of whom hasn't even got a dog! It's accusing us when nothing has actually happened.

"They should have re-worded the letter. An awful lot of people are very angry. It's the equivalent of me ringing up the Post Office and complaining that the postman has left my garden gate open. He hasn't - but he could do!"

Julie Brown, of Riddings, said: "I feel so incensed to be put in the same class as irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to roam, foul the streets and generally be a nuisance.

"I and the people I have spoken to today are of the opinion that the Royal Mail are totally out of order with their letter and should put these only through the letterboxes of the people who deserve them."

The letter notes that 1,700 dog bites were inflicted on postal workers in the Midlands in 2008/09 and advises people to contact them by telephone if they have any questions - although no telehone number is listed.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said: "We would never wish to cause offence to any customer and recognise that the majority of dog owners are highly responsible. The problem of dog attacks tends to increase in summer months and the letter was intended to raise awareness among dog owners generally to help to prevent attacks."

[brothermagrew]

Under the new WRAP process a part of which was Royal Mail Letters - Introduction of New Control of Dog Attack Health and Safety Standard (you would have to read LTB's 449/10 & 463/10 on the CWU website for a clearer understanding) there now appears to be at least six formal RM letters that can be sent out.

· Suspension after Warning Letter
· Dog Hazard Neighbouring Property Letter
· Dog Hazard Immediate Suspension Letter
· Dog Hazard Reinstatement Letter
· Dog Hazard Warning Letter
· Advisory Dog Letter

One can only presume that dog owners from the Alfreton area have received one of the above.

[not me]

should have done it nationally

[chunk]

"They should have re-worded the letter. An awful lot of people are very angry. It's the equivalent of me ringing up the Post Office and complaining that the postman has left my garden gate open. He hasn't - but he could do!"

if a customer chooses to take offense over an advisory note being posted in her neighborhood so be it.
first methinks she doth protest to much.
and the fact that she doesnt complain about postman leaving her gate open!
(even though they don't )priceless! has little to do with the serious problem of dog attacks.
ex dog warden ffs shes probably got a gse in woodwork as well.

We have a local newsletter that constantly reminds dog owners to be responsible I have a dog and welcome it.

[Thorby Bislam]

Same old stuff. "Not my dog." It never is ... until it is.
"Little fluffy wouldn't hurt a fly. He/she's all bark and no bite." And " He wont harm you, mate"
And when it does and there's blood pouring out of you and you're trying to phone 999 one-handed it's "well, he's never done anything like that before".

Sometimes, in my darker moments, I believe all dogs should be shot and their ownership banned.