Royal Mail has disclosed that more than 2,000 dog attacks on its employees were recorded over the past year, naming the UK postcode areas with the highest incident rates. The latest data reveals 2,019 attacks between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, an 8% decrease compared to the previous period.
Absence and Injury Impact
Dog attacks resulted in 3,442 days of absence in 2025/26, with the longest ongoing absence exceeding 300 days. Lizz Lloyd, Royal Mail’s Health & Safety Director, stated: “While it is encouraging to see dog attacks on our colleagues fall by 8% last year, these incidents remain a serious risk to postal workers, resulting in painful injuries and lasting distress. Every attack is one too many.” The company noted that attacks average 38 per week across the country, with some causing permanent and disabling injuries.
Top Postcode Areas for Dog Attacks
For the second consecutive year, the S (Sheffield) postcode area recorded the highest number of incidents with 61 attacks, an 8% decrease from 66 in the previous period. DN (Doncaster) and GU (Guildford) ranked joint second with 53 attacks each. NE (Newcastle) and PO (Portsmouth) tied for third with 50 attacks each. NG (Nottingham) followed with 48, and SA (Swansea) with 44. The full top ten includes BT (Belfast) with 37, ME (Medway) with 36, TN (Tonbridge) and YO (York) with 35 each, LE (Leicester) with 34, and ST (Stoke-on-Trent) with 31.
Reduction in Serious Injuries
There was a 17% reduction in attacks causing serious or significant injury, dropping from 74 in the previous period to 61 in 2025/26. Despite the decline, Royal Mail emphasised that the number remains a concern.
Where Attacks Occur
Royal Mail reported that 1,048 attacks (52%) occurred at the front door, a 4% increase from 1,005 last year. 511 attacks (25%) took place in gardens, drives, or yards, while 135 (7%) happened on streets or roads. Additionally, 324 injuries (16%) were suffered through the letterbox. The firm highlighted that most incidents occur on private property, where postal workers have a legal right to access, and reminded dog owners of their responsibility to keep pets under control.
Safety Tips for Dog Owners
Lizz Lloyd urged: “We continue to raise awareness of the issue among the public, but preventing attacks starts at the doorstep. We’re urging dog owners to take simple steps, such as keeping pets secure before opening the door, to help keep our people safe.” Royal Mail provided tips including: ensuring dogs are out of the way before the post arrives, placing pets in a back garden or faraway room, never opening the door with a dog behind you, preventing access to postal workers, keeping dogs in another room when signing for items, and waiting 10 minutes after mail delivery before letting pets back into the hallway. Owners are also advised to consider installing a wire letter receptacle or a secure mailbox at the edge of the property.
