Attacks on postal workers across Huddersfield risen at an alarming rate.
More staff than ever before are being attacked in Huddersfield and the surrounding areas, Royal Mail has warned.
The service has revealed that in the last year, 18 postmen and women were attacked in HD postcodes showing an increase of 39%.
And the provider is bracing itself as traditionally the number of attacks peaks during the school holidays.
Royal Mail wants to encourage responsible dog ownership and together with new tougher laws imposed to protect workers on private property they are appealing to dog owners to keep animals under control when the postman calls.
The figures come nearly a year after postman Jason Lee was mauled by a dog in Meltham and needed plastic surgery on his arm.
Deliveries were subsequently suspended to a handful of properties surrounding the home of the rogue dog.
The attack happened in Copley Avenue and Royal Mail said at the time deliveries were suspended until they were sure that they could guarantee health and safety of employees.
Rob Jenson, Operations Director North, Royal Mail said: “We know that most dogs are not inherently dangerous, however, even the most placid animal can be prone to attack if it feels its territory is being threatened. Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers.
“Last year there were still too many incidents in the HD postcode area and we need to reduce this number further as even one dog attack on our people is one too many.
“We appeal to dog owners in the HD postcode area to keep their pets under control, especially if they know their pets have a territorial nature. It can also be simple things that help - for example just making sure the dog is kept inside when the postman calls.”
Royal Mail has launched the annual Dog Awareness Week, working in partnership with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) with support from a wide range of organisations and animal charities including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, National Animal Welfare Trust, the Association of Chief Police Officers and the National Dog Wardens Association.
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