Royal Mail urges dog owners to display warning signs

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 13:58 · Archive

Royal Mail is asking dog owners to display signs reading 'I have a dog' and secure pets during deliveries to protect postal workers.

Royal Mail is asking dog owners to display a simple warning sign reading 'I have a dog' and ensure pets are properly secured whenever deliveries are made. The call comes as the organisation prepares for a surge in Christmas deliveries and amid growing concerns about the safety of postal workers.

Dog attacks remain one of the biggest safety issues facing Royal Mail. The organisation reported 2,197 incidents across the UK in the past year, equivalent to around 42 attacks per week. This represents a two per cent rise on the previous year.

Lizz Lloyd, Royal Mail's Health and Safety Director, said attacks can leave postal workers with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma and lengthy periods away from work. She said that whilst Royal Mail continues to invest in training and awareness campaigns, reducing the number of attacks ultimately depends on pet owners taking responsibility.

Several areas have been identified as attack hotspots. Sheffield recorded the highest number with 66 incidents, followed by Portsmouth with 60, and the TN postcode area covering parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey with 56. Other high-risk areas included Chelmsford, Guildford, Nottingham, Brighton, Belfast and Newcastle.

Royal Mail said that securing dogs during deliveries will help protect staff and avoid service disruptions during the busy festive season.

How it is being reported

• Royal Mail urges people to display four-word warning sign ahead of ChristmasPeople are being urged to display a four-word warning sign outside their house ahead of the busy Christmas period.Brentwood Guardian · 23 Oct, 13:43
• Royal Mail urges people to display four-word warning sign ahead of ChristmasPeople are being urged to display a four-word warning sign outside their house ahead of the busy Christmas period.Colchester Gazette · 23 Oct, 13:43
• Royal Mail urges people to display four-word warning sign ahead of ChristmasPeople are being urged to display a four-word warning sign outside their house ahead of the busy Christmas period.Echo (Basildon) · 23 Oct, 13:43

In this story: Royal Mail · Lizz Lloyd · Essex · Sheffield · Portsmouth · Chelmsford · UK

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