Attacks Postal Workers By Dogs Have Increased Says Jim Shannon MP
Jim Shannon MP has submitted an Early Day Motion (EDM) at Westminster to highlight the number of attacks on Postal workers delivering mail.
The motion reads: “That this House notes the rise in attacks by dogs on postal workers throughout the UK and especially in Northern Ireland, where the Royal Mail has stated that the 12 per cent rise in incidents in Northern Ireland is extremely worrying…
“Also that there were 1,916 dog attacks on postal workers logged during the year to 31 March 2023.
“It highlights that some postal workers suffered serious injuries and notes that these figures were released at the start of the annual dog awareness week as officials urge owners to take proper measures to ensure their pets pose no threat to postal workers…
“through responsible dog ownership. Dog attacks on postal workers resulted in more than 3,014 days of absence last year; and urges owners to be mindful of the duties of those who deliver post so we can do all we can to reduce attacks on postal workers.“
Jim Shannon added: “The job that our postal workers do is vital and therefore it is equally vital to ensure that they can do this safely.
“I would join Royal Mail in asking people to be mindful that if their pet doesn’t like visitors to ensure that they are kept where they won’t be able to attack anyone.
“We are all so grateful for the regular postal service and couldn’t do without it and we must all play a part in securing the safety of its staff.”.
There are also personal injury and legal implications too if your dog causes injury to someone, so it pays to keep it under control and be insured… just in case.