Increase in dog attacks on postal workers

The number of dog attacks on postal workers has increased over the past year, new figures reveal.

Royal Mail said there were 2,197 dog attacks on its staff, a 2% increase compared with the previous year.

The figure equates to an average of 42 attacks every week across the UK, with some leading to permanent and disabling injuries for victims.

There were 74 significant injuries recorded in 2024/25 compared with the 82 reported in 2023/24, according to the figures, released at the start of the annual Dog Awareness Week, aimed at encouraging responsible dog ownership.

Royal Mail urged dog owners to ensure they understand the often-devastating impact of dog attacks on postmen and postwomen and take proper measures to ensure their pets pose no threat to delivery postal workers.

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 one in 10 took place in the street or road.

Dog attacks on Royal Mail workers resulted in 2,700 days of absence in 2024/25, with the longest period of absence being 108 days.

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.

Published: 30/06/2025 by Radio NewsHub