The sinister, shocking rise of dog attacks on postal workers

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the increasing problem of dog attacks on postal workers in the UK, the factors contributing to this issue, and the measures that can be taken by dog owners to prevent such incidents.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Increasing Problem of Dog Attacks on Postal Workers

1. What are the key facts and statistics presented in the article about the problem of dog attacks on postal workers in the UK?

• The article states that on average, 42 postal workers suffer a dog attack in the UK each week.
• There were 2,206 attacks in the year to 31 March 2024, a 15% increase on the previous year, which was also up 15% year on year.
• The severity of injuries has also increased alarmingly, with many postal workers sustaining "life-changing injuries" and some unable to continue working as a result.
• According to the Communication Workers Union (CWU), 1,000 postal workers have had a finger or part of a finger bitten off through letterboxes in the past five years.

2. What are some of the personal experiences and impacts of dog attacks on postal workers described in the article?

• The article profiles several postal workers who have been victims of dog attacks, including Kirsteen Hobson, who had a large part of her top lip bitten off, and Darren Conlon, who was attacked by a greyhound that latched onto his thigh.
• The attacks have had significant physical and psychological impacts on the postal workers, with Hobson suffering panic attacks and being unable to return to her old delivery route, and Conlon experiencing heightened alertness and anxiety whenever he hears a dog while on his rounds.

3. What factors are contributing to the increase in dog attacks on postal workers?

• The article cites the rise in dog ownership, particularly during the pandemic, and the behavioral issues that have emerged in dogs who missed out on socialization and training opportunities during lockdowns.
• The shift to more frequent online deliveries and the associated increase in the number of times postal workers approach homes has also been a factor, as some dogs find the sudden noises and presence of delivery workers distressing.
• Changes in home design, such as the use of more expansive glass, can also be disconcerting for dogs and contribute to territorial behavior.

[02] Measures to Prevent Dog Attacks on Postal Workers

1. What recommendations does the article provide for dog owners to help prevent attacks on postal workers?

• Plan ahead and shut reactive dogs in another room or behind a stair gate when the post is due to arrive.
• Put the dog in another room whenever there is a knock at the door, especially if the dog is territorial, anxious, or fearful.
• Use a letterbox guard or external mailbox to prevent finger bites.
• Close blinds so the dog can't see the postal worker approaching and get worked up.
• Teach the dog an emergency "stop" command.
• Ensure the dog's welfare needs are being met to address any underlying behavioral issues.

2. What other measures are mentioned in the article to address the problem of dog attacks on postal workers?

• The article notes that Royal Mail has successfully privately prosecuted more than 30 owners after dog attacks, and that under the Dangerous Dogs Act, owners can face significant penalties, including unlimited fines and up to 14 years in prison for a fatal attack.
• The CWU has called for better enforcement of the Dangerous Dogs Act and higher penalties for offenders, as the current low number of prosecutions and lenient sentences are not helping to address the issue.
• The Blue Cross animal welfare charity is offering a free "Protecting your Postie" webinar to provide guidance and tips for dog owners on preventing attacks.