Don't bite the postie - Storey's appeal to dog owners

Commenting after the launch by Royal Mail of a campaign to heighten awareness of this issue Mr. Storey (pictured) said:

“We all value the work carried out by our postmen and postwomen. It is one of those services that we unfortunately sometimes take for granted and assume that it will just be there. However we should not overlook the risks associated with doing the job, especially when it comes to entering properties where there are dogs.

“Over the past year a third of all accidents suffered by Royal Mail staff have involved dogs with an average of two attacks per week. Last year there were more than one hundred reported attacks although thankfully the majority of these were minor nips, some more serious required hospital treatment.

“It is a very freighting experience to be attacked by a dog and can in some incidents lead to long term problems both physical and mental.

I would encourage dog owners to be mindful of the whereabouts of their pets and to be conscious of the postman or postwomen calling. It is especially important over the summer months when dogs are more likely to be out in the garden and naturally feel protective in their own territory.”