Dogs Royal Mail and the law

[norris9]

Just the effers barking at me pisses me off. Can't stand these dog owners.

[Janet Brum]

Unfortunately no chance, we no longer have paper towels or washing up liquid in the canteen as the RM is trying to save money on our behalf..

Soon we`ll have no toilet paper as well...

[Woody Guthrie]

Don't listen to dumbass advice from heroes that get a thrill out of describing how to incapacitate a dog, they're fantasists with deep psychological problems.

Dogs are much faster to react than humans and all you'll likely do is fall on your arse and turn an aggressive dog into a frenzied chewing machine.

[robbertwhitton]

Here is an extract from a HSE Inspectors Guide dealing with dogs http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... _99_51.pdf

THE GUIDE

4 The first step requires the completion of a risk assessment using dog attack incident
sheets, walk logs and local knowledge. A risk assessment form is included within the guide.
This assessment should identify high risk areas thereby enabling managers to produce an
action plan. Next staff should be trained in the standard safe system of work detailed in the
guide which includes how to identify a potential dog attack and what action to take. Further
information is also contained in the Royal Mail video entitled "Why Risk It".

5 Under the guide, dog deterrent devices are only provided where a need is identified by
the risk assessment.
I assume this is the guide that Royal Mail should be adhering to?sadly with dog attacks we’ve had in our office it couldn’t be further from what actually happens,too much hassle to investigate it fully,and support the postman involved,dog still alive,postman in question hassled to come into work the next day despite doctors certificate,corruption once again at its finest!


6 All reported attacks or incidents of menacing are to be entered on a local hazard card,
walk book and dog attack incident sheet. This information is kept available for staff working
the round.

7 When it has not been possible to deliver to an address as a result of a dog this is reported
to a line manager. The mail is marked with an "unable to deliver" sticker. Depending on the
circumstances a second attempt may be made to deliver. If this is unsuccessful the
manager will write or telephone the customer to explain the situation. Failure to resolve the
problem will lead to a second attempt to inform the customer that mail will not be delivered
to their address.

8 Where there is a local dog warden local management are to seek a partnership
arrangement. A visit by the dog warden to the owners of the dog has been found to be
more effective than a letter from a local manager. However some local authorities may not
wish to enter into such a voluntary partnership arrangement.

9 In all cases of injury staff are encouraged to report the incident to the police. This requires
staff to give a statement and possibly be called as a witness should the police initiate
proceedings. Managers are to give full support to their staff in such circumstances. If the
police decline to take action the Royal Mail will consider taking its own legal action using
the Dogs Act 1871 or The Dangerous Dog Act 1991. When an attack results in more than 7
days absence from work there is a Compensation Scheme available to employees.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Put as much distance between you & the dog allowing you to aim a well placed kick, If the dog goes down big or small dog, stamp on it's back or neck.

And youll be done for animal cruelty. As someone who has been butten within the last few weeks that is too far...

or not far enough, as a two footed jumping stamping to the /nose/ eyes/ soft sensitive bits usually stops all mammals (lions included) from their immediate attack...it's called self defence with extreme prejudice...the best form of defence ...is a determined ATTACK with force.

Part of the training EVERY service person gets is the use of reasonable force when attacked. and except for "extreme prejudice" you have it correct here.

These animals have attacked you, so fair game; if it's a fight they want then let the full fury and anger commence. You are not cruel: you are justified. For the record if you force the front legs apart laterally you may even kill it internally by applying internal pressure on it's heart; forced against it's ribcage. just saying.

However, here you aren't. In law you can only defend yourself up to the point where the attack ceases, anything else is in the case of animals cruel, in the case of another person, assault. Especially two loops suggestion of

If the dog goes down big or small dog, stamp on it's back or neck.

that will most likely end up with you being prosecuted. Once the dog is "down" or the attack has ceased continuing to attack them goes well beyond use of reasonable force.

[PostmanBitesDog]

RMtv: Avoiding Dog Attacks

[PostmanBitesDog]

Not all guard dogs are bad...

[twoloops]

I have an owner that I’m sure they encourage the dog the snatch the mail when I post? I started to use a posting peg for this property, but made sure the dog took the peg every time, the snatching soon stopped.

[glass joe]

A PDA is the only decent weapon to protect a postman these days against an aggressive dog. Postman it's always going to be in a lose lose when it comes to being bitten.

[DB1100]

Don't listen to dumbass advice from heroes that get a thrill out of describing how to incapacitate a dog, they're fantasists with deep psychological problems.

Dogs are much faster to react than humans and all you'll likely do is fall on your arse and turn an aggressive dog into a frenzied chewing machine.

Very sensible post,while you're trying to grab an 40lb pitbull by it's front legs,do they think it's going to just play along?

[k979aaa]

I was given some advice to the tune of kick it in the balls but it is a bitch?