THE number of dog attacks on postmen in Worcestershire has fallen by a quarter last year.

According to figures just released by Royal Mail, in the WR postcode, 15 postmen and women were attacked by dogs from April 2017 to April 2018, down 25 per cent on the previous year. This compares with a nationwide fall of eight per cent.

The reduction is encouraging, but the number is still too high and every dog attack is one attack too many, says Royal Mail, whose Dog Awareness Week launches today and runs until Saturday. Dr Shaun Davis, Royal Mail director of safety, said: “One attack is still one attack too many. Our research continues to show that attacks happen most often in the summer, so we are continuing to appeal to customers to help us cut attacks across the UK.

“I am pleased the numbers continue to fall, but I am still appealing to dog owners to think twice when the postman calls.

“82 per cent of attacks happen at the front door or in the garden so this is not just a Royal Mail issue, many other delivery, and utility companies and local authorities face the same problem.”

Dog attacks can be reduced by:

•Keeping dogs away from the letterbox

•Not opening the front door with your dog not under close control

•Not allowing dogs to roam around the garden

Jenna Kiddle of the Dogs Trust said: “It’s worrying that there are so many dog bites recorded on postal workers, but the reduction is a step in the right direction and one we can hopefully bring down even further.

“As summer approaches and we all spend more time in the garden, there is a brilliant opportunity to work with your dog on their recall and behaviour around strangers visiting the home. At Dogs Trust Dog School, we run a five-week training course for dogs and their owners, which covers a host of skills for everyday life, many of which can be applied when the postman or woman visits."