Royal Mail has issued a stark nationwide reminder to households ahead of the festive delivery rush, warning that irresponsible pet ownership could lead to a temporary ban on all postal services to their address. The company is urging the public to secure their dogs to protect postal workers from the risk of serious injury.
The Scale of the Problem: Thousands of Attacks Each Year
With the Christmas period representing the busiest time of the year for deliveries, the risk to postal staff increases significantly. Royal Mail states that around 2,000 delivery workers are injured by dogs annually, with incidents ranging from minor bites to life-altering wounds. The company emphasises that some attacks result in permanent and disabling injuries, causing not only physical harm but significant emotional distress.
The latest figures reveal the most common locations for these incidents. Nearly half of all attacks, some 1,005 (46%), happen at the front door. A further 606 (28%) occur in the garden or driveway, while 183 (8%) take place in the street or road.
Legal Consequences and Delivery Suspensions
Royal Mail operates a strict safety policy. If a dog attack or even a perceived threat occurs, the company is obliged to notify the police and will temporarily suspend all deliveries to that address until adequate safety measures are implemented. This suspension remains in place until the company is satisfied that a safe delivery point exists.
For pet owners, the legal ramifications can be severe. In England and Wales, the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) applies, which was updated in May 2014 to cover attacks on private property. This means an owner can be prosecuted, and their dog seized, if it attacks anyone, including postal workers, in a home, garden, or driveway.
How to Ensure Safe Deliveries This Christmas
Lizz Lloyd, Health and Safety Director at Royal Mail, said: “Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers. We continue to call on the public to be vigilant and responsible by securing their pets before opening the door.”
The company's dog awareness campaign provides clear guidance for households:
- Never open the door to a postal worker when your dog is unsecured.
- Keep your dog in a separate room or behind a safety gate when the doorbell rings.
- Invest in a letter cage or external delivery box to prevent bites through the letterbox.
- Always ensure garden gates and doors are closed to stop loose dogs reaching the delivery point.
Royal Mail also offers a downloadable postcard for residents to display, alerting delivery personnel to the presence of a dog and asking them to wait while it is secured. With a record volume of parcels and cards expected in the run-up to December 25th, community cooperation is deemed essential to protect staff and ensure everyone's post arrives safely.
