Dog on loose after horror attack on postie

[TrueBlueTerrier]

+Same story as before but with more info

http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Dog-on-lo ... 3607667.jp

By Polly Rippon

A POSTMAN is in hospital after being mauled by two vicious terriers as he delivered Christmas mail in Sheffield.
Paul Coleman, aged 39, was savaged by the animals as he delivered mail in Rothay Road, Grimesthorpe.

Mr Coleman, who is 6ft tall and weighs 17stone, was dragged to the ground and pulled several yards into the road during the attack which lasted for around 10 minutes.

He suffered bites to both legs and possible nerve damage to one of his arms, and was rushed to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital where he underwent surgery. He may also need further operations in the future.

Darrell Bennett, from the Communication Workers' Union, said: "He had gone to deliver to the property when he was attacked on the driveway.

"He suffered injuries to his left leg and right leg, and they were severe bites, not cuts - it was more of a mauling. We also think he has suffered nerve damage to his right arm.

"He was rushed to hospital from the scene and he is still in hospital now.

"He's not in a very good state. Obviously it's not only the physical scars he has to heal from. An attack like this can have a severe psychological effect."

Mr Coleman, who is from Sheffield, is based at the city centre delivery office.

Police confirmed today the owner of the dogs was arrested under the Dangerous Dogs Act and released on bail pending further inquiries.

One of the dogs has since been destroyed, but another remains at large and police are appealing for help from the public to trace it.

It is a brown and while cross breed Staffordshire Bull Terrier/Japanese Tosa, aged around 18 months, and wearing a collar with the name Macey on it.

They are also warning people not to approach or handle the dog - but to contact police immediately.

Mr Bennett said last year 300 postmen and women were attacked by animals as they made deliveries in Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Chesterfield and Worksop.

He urged the police to take a harder line against the owners of vicious animals.

He said: "People such as postal workers, gas and electricity board staff and others, have a right, under their service agreements, to perform the service people are expecting without being attacked.

"The owners of these animals should be dealt with under the Dangerous Dogs Act which is not being enforced as strongly as it should be.

"These kind of attacks have been going for years and there is only so much the Royal Mail and trade unions can do.

"There has to come a time where these attacks are as unacceptable as an assault by another human being would be."

He added Royal Mail supported staff by offering them the chance to carry pepper spray or 'Post It' pegs in which to put the mail to prevent their fingers being bitten.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said: "Royal Mail takes attacks like these extremely seriously and
we do everything we can to minimise the risk to our people.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/PIt-bulls ... 3615536.jp

By Sarah Dunn

POLICE have launched an investigation after it was revealed that complaints about two pit bull terriers who mauled a Sheffield postman had been made to them before the attack.

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said that concerns had been raised about the two dogs living in Birdwell Road, Grimesthorpe – around the corner from where Paul Coleman, aged 39, was savaged in Rothay Road.

She said: "Officers attended the address where it was reported that the dogs were believed to be pit bull terriers.

"A police investigation is now underway in relation to the attack on the postman, and will include a review of any previous reports to the police."

Landlady Gill Rooney, aged 42, of Crookes, who owns a property next door to where the dogs were kept, complained to Sheffield Council about them in October because they appeared to be dangerous. They said it was a matter for the police because it was on private property.

Arches Housing Association, which owns the house where the dogs lived, also received complaints and had installed a fence to keep them enclosed.