Royal Mail has issued an urgent alert to UK households, warning that opening the front door in a certain way could lead to suspended postal deliveries. In a Facebook post, the postal service emphasized: "Never open the door when your dog is behind you."
Dog Attack Statistics and Impact
According to Royal Mail, there were 2,019 dog attacks on postal workers last year, averaging 38 attacks per week across the UK. Approximately 41% of UK homes have a dog, totaling about 15.5 million households. The company stated: "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."
Delivery Suspension Policy
Royal Mail has the right to temporarily stop deliveries to any location where a loose or aggressive dog poses a danger to staff. If a bite or serious threat occurs, deliveries are typically paused until the property owner can prove the dog will be properly secured during delivery. Affected customers receive a hold card and must collect mail from their local delivery office or arrange an alternative.
Safety Recommendations
Royal Mail urges households to follow several measures: close off access to the back garden if a dog can get around to the front, move dogs to another room before opening the door, and fit a wire letter receptacle if the dog attacks mail. For persistent issues, a secure mailbox at the property edge is recommended.
Four-Word Warning Sign
Dog owners can display a four-word message on their front door or window. A downloadable postcard from the Royal Mail website reads: "I have a dog," with the instruction: "Please wait whilst I secure my dog before opening the door." A hand-drawn version may also suffice.
Regional Hotspots
The S (Sheffield) postcode recorded the highest number of incidents for the second consecutive year, with 61 attacks, down 8% from 66 the previous year. Joint second were DN (Doncaster) and GU (Guildford), each with 53 attacks, followed by NE (Newcastle) and PO (Portsmouth) with 50 each.
Free Webinar for Dog Owners
Royal Mail, in partnership with the Blue Cross, offers a free online webinar 'Protect Your Postie' for dog owners when concerns have been raised but no attack occurred. The hour-long Zoom session provides practical advice, with an upcoming webinar on July 16 at 12.30pm.
