Posties deliver a dog warning

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Dog owners have been urged to keep their animals under control when the postie calls following several attacks in the Stafford area.

In the past 12 months 10 postal workers were attacked by dogs in the Stafford postal area, which also covers Penkridge, Eccleshall, Gnosall, Weston and surrounding villages.

In the wake of the incidents Royal Mail has called on pet owners to be aware of the risks. Attacks particularly occur during school and bank holidays, when parents and children are out of the house and dogs may be left unsupervised in the garden or unrestrained in the street, Royal Mail has said.

Royal Mail collection and delivery manager Steve McLean said: “The vast majority of pet owners are responsible and keep their pets under control, but not everyone is aware of the risk as even the most placid animal can be prone to attack if it feels there is an intruder on its territory.

“Just being threatened by an unrestrained pet can be frightening for postmen and women who don’t know the animal, and we are appealing for all owners to be extra careful in order to help our people on their rounds, particularly if their pet has a territorial nature.” An extensive ongoing training programme is in place for delivery people to ensure they are aware of how to manage the risk of a dog attack, Royal Mail has said.

Following an attack or near miss residents receive a letter from Royal Mail asking them to keep their pets under control. In more serious cases the local dog warden and police are informed.

Residents can help reduce the risk of an attack by keeping dogs indoors around the time the postie usually calls to deliver mail, keeping dogs in another room before answering the door, closing access from back gardens in case dogs get round to the front and ensuring children do not answer the door, as dogs can push by them and attack.

Other measures could include installing a letter cage for post inside the front door or fitting a secure mailbox on the edge of the property.