Dog attacks forced postmen to take almost 3,000 days off last year
Dog attacks forced postmen to take 2,700 days off work in 2024, figures have revealed.
Royal Mail said the longest period of staff absence was 108 days.
In the year ending March 31, 2024, there were 2,206 dog attacks on Royal Mail postal workers, according to the Communication Workers Union. This represents an average of 42 attacks per week.
This had led to some victims suffering permanent and disabling injuries.
There were 74 significant injuries recorded in 2024/25 compared with the 82 reported in 2023/24.
The figures were released at the start of the annual Dog Awareness Week, aimed at encouraging responsible ownership.
Royal Mail urged dog owners to ensure they understand the often devastating impact of attacks on postmen and postwomen and to take proper measures so their pets pose no threat.
Highest-risk area was Sheffield
The highest-risk location in the past year was the S (Sheffield) postcode where 66 postal workers suffered dog attacks, followed by the PO (Portsmouth) postcode area with 60 attacks and the TN (Kent/Sussex/Surrey) postcode area with 56 attacks.
As in previous years, nearly half of dog attacks took place at the front door, one in four took place in gardens, drives or yards and almost 10 per cent took place in the street or road.
Lizz Lloyd, health and safety director at Royal Mail, said: 'Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers.
'In many cases these incidents result in serious injuries, emotional distress and time away from work.
'Royal Mail continues to call on the public to be vigilant and responsible by securing their pets before opening the door to receive mail or packages.
'We continue to invest in safety training and awareness campaigns for both employees and the public but emphasise that community co-operation is essential to reducing these incidents.'
Other areas where dog attacks have increased include Guildford, Nottingham, Chelmsford, Brighton, Belfast, Newcastle, Swindon, Doncaster and Staffordshire.
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