Fall in number of dog attacks on Royal Mail workers

The number of dog attacks on Royal Mail workers has fallen over the past year, but still remain “unacceptably high”, new figures show.

The company announced there were 2,019 dog attacks on its staff, an 8% decrease compared to the previous year.

There were an average of 38 dog attacks on Royal Mail staff every week across the UK, with some leading to permanent and disabling injuries.

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

For the second consecutive year, the S (Sheffield) postcode recorded the highest number of incidents, with 61 attacks reported.

Two postcode areas were ranked joint second — DN (Doncaster) and GU (Guildford), each recording 53 incidents, followed by NE (Newcastle) and PO (Portsmouth) with 50 attacks each.

Around half of attacks happened at the front door, a 4% increase on last year.

Royal Mail said the figures highlighted that the majority of incidents happen on private property, where postal workers have a legal right to access.

One in four incidents took place in a garden, drive or yard and there were 135 attacks in the street or road.

There were 324 injuries suffered as a result of attacks through a letterbox.

Dog attacks resulted in 3,442 days of absence in 2025/26 – with the longest period lasting over 300 days.

Lizz Lloyd, Health & Safety Director at Royal Mail, said: “While it’s encouraging to see dog attacks on our colleagues fall by 8% last year, these incidents remain a serious risk to postal workers, resulting in painful injuries and lasting distress.

“We continue to raise awareness of the issue among the public, but preventing attacks starts at the doorstep.

“We’re urging dog owners to take simple steps, such as keeping pets secure before opening the door, to help keep our people safe.”

Published: 06/07/2026 by Radio NewsHub