Posties bite back
Published 24 Jul 2012 11:30
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West Fife posties are biting back by compiling a special dossier of dangerous dog homes to protect them from savage attacks.
Mailmen have been forced into action after more than 30 dog attacks were carried out on Fife postal workers in the past year, up 74 per cent on the previous 12 months.
They are set to pinpoint addresses where dogs have carried out attacks to warn posties to take extra caution when delivering the mail.
Dunfermline Communication Workers Union (CWU) rep Garry Haldane has been attacked 17 times in 18 years as a postman.
He said, "It's an ongoing problem and we're now going to be using a new World Class Mail initiative modelling it on something that happened in Cardiff.
"All postmen will be logging all the dogs on their delivery, such as different breeds and types, whether they're friendly or show any sign of aggression.
"We will note whether there have been any previous incidents so we can inform new postmen going on delivery that there is a problem at a particular address.
"We will also write to the owner to highlight the fact that their dogs show signs of aggression and to make the owner aware that there could be a problem."
The Press reported in March that a postman was hospitalised after an incident in Pitcorthie. His hand was bitten through a letter box as he delivered mail to an address in Alder Grove.
The victim, a man in his 40s, was forced off sick so he could recover from his injuries.
Mr Haldane added, "One person was attacked in Robertson Road by a pitbull.
"He didn't get bitten but only because he was quick enough to get the bag in his way so the dog was chewing at his bag.
"It's never acceptable and I always say it's not the dog but the owner's fault - it's bad training and irresponsible owners."
Royal Mail and the CWU are asking customers to keep their dogs under control and are issuing top tips in an attempt to reduce the number of dog attacks.
Steve Greaves, safety director for Royal Mail in Scotland, said, "The number of attacks is unacceptably high and in Fife this has risen from 19 attacks in 2010/11 to 33 this year.
"Even just being threatened by an unrestrained pet is a frightening situation for our delivery staff and we would appeal to owners to keep their pets under control, especially if they know their pets have a territorial nature."
Dave Joyce, CWU national health and safety officer, said, "The age-old image of the dog attacking the postman is not a laughing matter.
"Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to dog attacks so we hope that all dog owners will take a moment to check where their pet is, especially over the summer holidays when attacks increase."
This article appeared in Dunfermline Press 19 Jul 12
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redrobin
296 posts
Jul 24, 19:18
Report commentI have always been terrified of dogs since being bitten when I was 4 years old and that was not yesterday, believe me..I still could not hurt a dog or any other animal but the posties have a valid point....just make sure that u don't blame the dog...charge the owner..don't put the dog down...put the owner down now there's a thought? I jest ..I jest!
Make the owner accountable...I live in an area with many young children particularly noticeable during the school holidays and there is a dog owner who allows her dog to defacate/ sorry if wrong spelling.. better say what I mean s..., c... all over drive ways , gardens, so help me one of these days ther's gonna be a row.
To the posties more power to your delivery hands...woof
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Ooosh!
31 posts
Jul 26, 07:49
Report commentSometime to pass time when I am bored I sit by the letter box when not working and wait for the postman... then as the letter box peers open I start barking and grabbing the mail!!
Recommend? Yes 7
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maclam
333 posts
Jul 27, 03:59
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redrobin
296 posts
Jul 27, 20:25
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