Wirral postmen to be given lessons in dealing with dogs after 25 animal attacks since last April

Feb 17 2010 by Lorna Hughes, Bromborough and Bebington News

WIRRAL’s postmen are being given lessons in how to deal with the pets they encounter on their rounds.

The Royal Mail is organising the series of “Dog Awareness Days” after figures showed 25 animal attacks on postmen and women since last April.

Managers say dog attacks are a particular problem during school holidays, when parents and children are at home and animals are allowed unsupervised in the garden or in streets.

Postman Stephen Jafrate, from Wallasey Delivery Office, was bitten on the leg while delivering mail.

He said: “I was in a cul-de-sac when two dogs started barking, growling and circling me and one of them jumped up and bit me on the leg.

“The fear you have when the dog is circling is overwhelming.

“People need to realise that it is not funny when postmen are bitten.

“There are quite a few postmen and women that are being chased and bitten by dogs on a regular basis and they are very shaken.

“No-one should have to face that when they are just doing their job.”

Scott Tingy, from Heswall Delivery Office, was bitten on the leg while delivering mail.

He said: “The dog just came out of the back of the house and jumped at me.

“I’ve also had my fingers bitten by a dog that was waiting next to the letterbox when I delivered some mail.

“It would really help if dog owners could keep their pets inside and away from the front door until we have delivered the mail.”

Dog owners are being asked to help by keeping their pets indoors and away from the letterbox when the postman or woman calls.

Delivery sector manager Ian Lumley said: “Not all dogs are dangerous, but even the most placid animal can attack if it feels its territory is being threatened.

“Our first priority is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people and as a last resort we may have to suspend deliveries because dogs are on the loose and it is not safe for our postmen and women.”