Posties get helping hand to deal with angry dogs

ROYAL Mail are aiming to put the bite on dog owners after it was revealed there is an average of one attack a month by angry mutts on posties in Lisburn.

They say most incidents occur during the summer when more children and parents are at home and dogs are out of the house without restraints.

Royal Mail employees are being advised to take particular care when delivering mail over the next few months and, supported by Lisburn City Council's Dog Warden Service, are being trained on how to best to avoid an attack when confronted by an angry pooch.

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Royal Mail Safety Director, Tom O'Kane, said: "Last year in Northern Ireland there were over 100 reported instances where our employees suffered a dog attack and early indications for this year would suggest similar results, unless we can do something differently.

"Some of these attacks resulted in minor nips but the more serious ones needed stitches and tetanus injections and all are very frightening experiences for our delivery postmen and women.

"While we appreciate that not all dogs are dangerous, even the most placid dog can become very protective of its owners or territory and, surprisingly, we have seen an increase in the number of attacks where the owner is present."

Chairman of Lisburn City Council's Environmental Services Committee, Councillor James Tinsley said: "It is encouraging to see that Royal Mail are taking steps to deal with the risk that dogs pose to their delivery staff.

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"The Council's Dog Warden Service has been working closely with Royal Mail through a series of information sessions and training on how to best deal with potential attacks."

Owners are urged to keep their dog indoors around the time your postman usually calls. If you have to open the door put the dog in another room and if your dog runs around loose on your property ensure that there is safe access to your letter box.