Royal Mail have issued advice, reminding dog owners that they could face legal action if they are not careful.
On its website, under 'legal protections', Royal Mail says it has pushed stronger legal protections against dog attacks. It also won High Court cases confirming that postal workers are not trespassing when posting mail, meaning dog owners remain liable for letterbox dog attacks.
It explains: "Following changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act in England and Wales that came into force in May 2014, Royal Mail has carried out over 30 private prosecutions against dog owners.
"This has punished offenders and further raised awareness. It is hoped that these actions will prevent further attacks by forcing owners to put in place control measures to ensure a dog does not attack again.
"We have also successfully launched two actions in the High Court that settled the law in relation to the criminal liability of dog owners when postal workers have their fingers bitten while posting items through a letterbox.
"These cases clarified the law in regard to whether fingers inserted through a letter box amounted to a trespass and thus gave the householder a potential defence.
"The Court held that, provided it was for the purpose of posting mail, no trespass was committed. In summing up, the judge mentioned that a cage being fitted would go some way to preventing some of the terrible injuries suffered by our colleagues."
Take action
Because the postal worker is not trespassing, the homeowner cannot use that as a defence. If their dog bites the worker's fingers through the letterbox, the owner can still be held criminally liable.
With this in mind, dog owners should consider installing a wire letter receptacle if their dog likes to attack mail. This will protect mail, parcels, and your postman’s or postwoman’s fingers.
In its tips for owners, Royal Mail suggests: "If it’s not practical for you to keep your dog away from a postman or postwoman delivering your mail, please consider fitting a secure mailbox on the edge of your property."
It also recommends:
Ensure your dog is out of the way before the postman or postwoman arrives. Place your pet in the back garden or a faraway room.
Never open the door when your dog is behind you
If you have a back garden, please close off the access, in case your dog could get around to the front when the postman or postwoman calls.
Dog attacks can happen when you’ve opened the door to sign for an item. Please keep your dog in another room before answering the door and make sure children don’t open the door, as dogs can push by them and attack.
Give your dog some food or a toy to occupy them while your mail is being delivered.
Wait 10 minutes after your mail has arrived to let your pet back into your hallway. Keep everything as calm and low-key as possible.
Lizz Lloyd, Health & Safety Director at Royal Mail, said: “Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers. In many cases, these incidents result in serious injuries, emotional distress, and time away from work. Royal Mail continues to call on the public to be vigilant and responsible by securing their pets before opening the door to receive mail or packages.
“We continue to invest in safety training and awareness campaigns for both employees and the public, but emphasise that community cooperation is essential to reducing these incidents.”