Royal Mail Issues Warning to Dog Owners Over Attacks
Royal Mail has issued a stark warning to dog owners, stating they could face legal action if their pets attack postal workers. The warning comes as the company highlights stronger legal safeguards secured against dog attacks and points to High Court rulings that clarify liability.
High Court Rulings on Liability
According to Royal Mail's website, under “legal protections,” the company has secured stronger legal safeguards against dog attacks. It also references High Court rulings confirming that postal workers are not trespassing when delivering mail, meaning owners can still be held liable if a dog attacks through the letterbox. The judge noted that fitting a cage could help prevent serious injuries.
Private Prosecutions and Legal Changes
Royal Mail explains: "Following changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act in England and Wales that came into force in May 2014, Royal Mail has carried out over 30 private prosecutions against dog owners. This has punished offenders and further raised awareness. It is hoped that these actions will prevent further attacks by forcing owners to put in place control measures to ensure a dog does not attack again."
The company also successfully launched two High Court actions that settled the law regarding criminal liability when postal workers have fingers bitten while posting items through a letterbox. The court held that, provided the action was for posting mail, no trespass was committed.
Recommendations for Dog Owners
Royal Mail recommends several actions to prevent attacks, including a 10-minute rule after mail delivery. Dog owners whose pets tend to attack mail should consider fitting a wire letter receptacle to protect mail and postal workers' fingers.
In its tips for owners, Royal Mail suggests: "If it’s not practical for you to keep your dog away from a postman or postwoman delivering your mail, please consider fitting a secure mailbox on the edge of your property."
Safety Tips for Dog Owners
- Ensure your dog is out of the way before the postman or postwoman arrives. Place your pet in the back garden or a faraway room.
- Never open the door when your dog is behind you.
- If you have a back garden, close off access in case your dog could get around to the front when the postman or postwoman calls.
- Keep your dog in another room before answering the door for signed items, and ensure children don’t open the door as dogs can push by them and attack.
- Give your dog some food or a toy to occupy them while mail is being delivered.
- Wait 10 minutes after your mail has arrived to let your pet back into your hallway. Keep everything as calm and low-key as possible.
Statement from Royal Mail's Health & Safety Director
Lizz Lloyd, Health & Safety Director at Royal Mail, said: “Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers. In many cases, these incidents result in serious injuries, emotional distress, and time away from work. Royal Mail continues to call on the public to be vigilant and responsible by securing their pets before opening the door to receive mail or packages.”
Lloyd added: “We continue to invest in safety training and awareness campaigns for both employees and the public, but emphasise that community cooperation is essential to reducing these incidents.”
