Dog owners urged to help protect posties - The Malvern Observer

Dog owners urged to help protect posties

Malvern Editorial 1st Aug, 2014 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

MALVERN MP Harriett Baldwin has urged pet owners to take more responsibility to help reduce the amount of postmen and women being attacked by dogs while out on the job.

The MP has thrown her support behind a campaign by Royal Mail and The Dogs Trust which aims to tackle the growing problem which saw more than 3,000 reported incidents last year across the UK.

Dozens of those incidents happened in Mrs Baldwin’s West Worcestershire constituency which includes Malvern, Upton and Pershore.

They include Ian Palmer who has been bitten by dogs in Malvern four times in his 18-year career and was attacked by a dog again last week.




Royal Mail staff have entered courses in dog psychology to help to spot dogs which may pose a threat.

And new legislation means pet owners can now be prosecuted for dog attacks which take place on private property when the mail is being delivered.


The campaign also aims to encourage responsible dog ownership and to appeal to dog owners to keep their animals under control when the postman calls.

Mrs Baldwin said: “Part of my job involves knocking on doors so I completely sympathise with postal staff who have been attacked by dogs as they do their work.

“A recent change in legislation means that dog owners are responsible for injury caused by their animals even if it happens on private property.

“It is only fair that posties should be able to deliver the mail in safety so I urge all pet owners to act responsibly and help to reduce the number of incidents both locally and nationally.”

 

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