Inquiry launched into dog attacks on postmen

The Royal Mail today launched an inquiry into dog attacks after revealing that postal workers are suffering up to 4,000 attacks every year.

The attacks often result in severe injuries and "considerable trauma" and highlights the case for legislation to tackle dangerous dogs, said campaigners.

The independent inquiry was announced by Royal Mail chairman Donald Brydon, with the aim of making specific recommendations to reduce the number of dog attacks.

Mr Brydon said: "It is an offence to decency that good people should suffer these attacks when carrying out their daily jobs and serving the public."

Dave Joyce, national safety officer of the Communication Workers Union, which has been campaigning for years for measures to tackle dangerous dogs, said: "This is a very positive and welcome development at a key moment and will definitely raise the profile of the issue and influence the public and political debate and strengthen the case for change which is overwhelming and must not be further delayed."

The inquiry will be led by former high court judge Sir Gordon Langley and will study the number of attacks, which are running at between 3,500 and 4,000 a year.

More than 24,000 postmen and women have been attacked by dogs on their delivery rounds since 2006, leading the Royal Mail to spend over £100,000 on campaigns and equipment to try to reduce the risk of injury, including a device to put letters through doors to protect fingers.

Almost 400 postmen and women have taken time off sick in the past year after being attacked by a dog, while 4,100 working days have been lost, costing Royal Mail around £400,000.

PA