Royal Mail appeals to dog owners following attacks

This is the fifth time the Guildford postcode area has been included in the Royal Mail's high risk for dog attacks list

Royal Mail said it wants dog owners to understand the "often-devastating impact of dog attacks on postmen and postwomen" as it revealed a 45% increase in recorded attacks in the Guildford postal area.

Forty-two postmen and women were attacked by dogs in the Guildford postcode between 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, according to Royal Mail.

In the previous recorded year, 29 attacks were reported in the same area.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said it was encouraging dog owners to take "proper measures to ensure their pets pose no threat" as it held its 12th Dog Awareness Week from 1 to 7 July to encourage responsible dog ownership.

Lizz Lloyd, the Royal Mail's health and safety director, said: "Almost half of attacks happen at the front door and over a quarter in the front garden."

The Guildford postcode was the joint eighth highest risk postcode area in the country.

Royal Mail said this was the first time the GU postcode was featured on the high-risk list since 2019/20.

But this was the postcode's fifth time appearing in the most dangerous locations lists for dog attacks since Royal Mail began reporting figures in 2013.

Nationally, there were 2,206 dog attacks reported on its colleagues last year, an increase of 15%.

Royal Mail has issued tips to dog owners to prevent future attacks.

These include placing your dog in the back garden or a faraway room when your postman or postwoman arrives and never opening the door when your dog is behind you.

They also suggested occupying your dog with food or a toy whilst mail is being delivered.

From 17 July, animal welfare charity Blue Cross will be offering a free online webinar called Protect Your Postie to customers where there is concern due to a dog’s behaviour.

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