Tunbridge Wells in Kent has been identified as the most perilous location in the UK for postal workers facing dog attacks, according to data released by the Royal Mail. The figures reveal that posties suffered close to 2,000 dog attacks last year, averaging more than five incidents per day.
The data, covering the year up to March, indicates a 15% increase compared to the previous year, resulting in 3,014 days of work missed due to injuries sustained during these attacks. Royal Mail attributes this surge in dog attacks to the significant rise in dog ownership, with numbers escalating from 9.6 million in 2021 to 11 million in 2023.
Among the 1,916 reported attacks, 65 occurred in the TN postcode area centred on Tunbridge Wells. This area has consistently featured in the top ten list of canine assaults for nine consecutive years. The Royal Mail website cautions, “Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal staff.
Lizz Lloyd, the Health and Safety Director, highlighted that the number of attacks tends to escalate during school holidays and the summer months when children are at home, and dogs may be left unsupervised in gardens or roaming the streets.
One postwoman, kimberley/">Kimberley Link, endured severe injuries when she was attacked by a loose dog in a garden last summer. Recounting the incident, she said, “I can remember the dog pulling me to the floor then letting go of my elbow and trying to bite into the back of my neck.” Ms. Link’s screams alerted a neighbour who promptly called an ambulance. She underwent an X-ray, which revealed a dog’s tooth embedded in her elbow.
Ms. Link has been left with significant scarring and permanent nerve damage in her hand, impairing her ability to grip properly. The owner of the dog responsible for the attack received a community order for 100 hours of unpaid work, and the dog was euthanized.
The majority of dog attacks on postal workers occur at the front door (47%), followed by incidents in gardens or driveways (27%), and through the letterbox (20%). Postal workers have also faced attacks from 25 cats and two birds.
The Royal Mail continues to emphasize the importance of public awareness and responsible dog ownership, urging pet owners to ensure the safety of postal staff by properly securing their dogs during mail deliveries.
As the incidents of dog attacks on postal workers persist, efforts to address this ongoing issue are crucial in ensuring the well-being and safety of postal employees across the country.
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