Royal Mail launch appeal to prevent dog attacks

An appeal has been launched by the Royal Mail to try to reduce the number of dog attacks on postmen and women.

Dog Awareness Week aims to encourage responsible dog ownership and inform of new legislation which means dog owners could face prosecution for dog attacks on private property.

Despite a 35 per cent decrease of dog attacks from April 2013 to April 2014, 15 postal workers were attacked by dogs in the SL postcode area and the Royal Mail hopes to see this reduced further.

Royal Mail’s delivery director for Slough, Gary Yard, said: “We know that most dogs are not inherently dangerous, however, even the most placid animal can be prone to attack if it feels its territory is being threatened.

“Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers.”

The campaign is running in the SL postcode area, which includes Maidenhead, Windsor and Slough, this week (Monday, June 30, to Friday, July 4).

Visit www.royalmailgroup.com/dogs for tips on how to prevent dog attacks.