Dog Awareness Week – 5 – 10 July 2021
Health & Safety July 1 2021Launching the 2021 Royal Mail/CWU National Dog Awareness Week CWU National Health and Safety Officer Dave Joyce said:-
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- The Headline Message for Dog Awareness Week 5 – 11 July is “Dog Attacks Remain a Major Safety Hazard and Concern’ For Postmen and Women across the UK”.
- There are now 12 Million Dogs in the Country with a huge increase in dogs purchased by new owners, locked down during the pandemic. Many of these dogs haven’t been trained or socialised. Many of these new owners now regret buying a dog and many of these new dogs could be a risk to postal workers.
- The Key Objectives are to remind both the Public to be aware of their responsibilities and to remind Postal Workers to be vigilant, keep safe and take no risks.
- The scale of the problem across the UK should never be underestimated
- There’s been 33,000 dog attacks on postmen and women in the last 10 years – over 80% take place at the front door or on the garden footpath or drive – some result in life changing injuries
- 1000 dog bites have occurred through the letterbox in the last 5 years alone – many with devastating effects – many resulting in lost fingers!
The Message for customers is:-
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- Be considerate and a responsible dog owner and work with Royal Mail and your local Postman or Postwoman.
- Postal Workers have been heroes during the pandemic – keeping the postal service going and keeping the country connected
- Put the dog in another secure room before opening the door to the collect the mail and parcels.
- Don’t let children open the door and the dog can push past them and attack the postman with the child having little chance of controlling the dog
- Don’t let the dog roam free in the garden when the mail is being delivered – if you must do this then fit a postbox on the perimeter gate or fence.
- If your dog attacks or snatches the mail when it comes through the door fit a letterbox cage to protect the postman’s fingers and protect your mail
- Finally – ensure your dog is microchipped and wears a collar and tag – it’s a legal requirement and you can be fined up to £5000 if you don’t.
The message to Delivery Staff is:-
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Please see related LTBs:
LTB 271/21 – Royal Mail – ‘Dog Attack Compensation Scheme’ and Claim Form
LTB 272/21 – Royal Mail Group Dog Attack Reporting Process
LTB 273/21 – RM/CWU National Dog Awareness Week 2021 – Monday 5th July – Saturday 10 July 2021