Royal Mail is urging customers to consider putting up a fifteen-word notice on their door. The postal service warns that failing to do so could lead to an "unpredictable" situation.
Printable notice for dog owners
Royal Mail officials are advising dog owners to "print and display this card so delivery drivers" can wait until you've taken suitable precautions. The notice states: "I have a dog. Please wait whilst I secure my dog before opening the door." It's available to print free of charge in either English or Welsh.
This printable warning provides a straightforward but practical method to help avoid attacks. Royal Mail states in its guidance: "Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal workers. Dogs are territorial by nature, and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable. Please help us to deliver your post safely by keeping your dog secure and out of the way before the post person arrives."
Decline in attacks but concerns remain
Royal Mail revealed in July that 2,019 dog attacks on its workers were recorded during the past year, representing an 8% decrease compared to the previous reporting period. It said more than half (52%) of dog attacks happened at the front door.
It added: "Whilst the company welcomes the drop, attacks remain unacceptably high. The figure equates to an average of 38 attacks every week across the UK, with some leading to permanent and disabling injuries."
Appeal for responsible ownership
The postal firm stated it was "appealing to dog owners to ensure they understand the devastating impact of dog attacks on postmen and postwomen and take proper measures to ensure their pets pose no threat to delivery postal workers, or the community at large, through responsible dog ownership."
Lizz Lloyd, Health and Safety Director at Royal Mail, said: "While it's 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.
"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."
