Royal Mail has launched an independent inquiry into dog attacks on postal workers, which, according to some reports, occur at a rate of up to 20 a day.
The inquiry, to be conducted by former High Court Judge Sir Gordon Langley, is likely to raise a few eyebrows but has been welcomed by the Communications Workers Union which called it a “very serious issue”.
The postal operator said that between 3,500 and 4,000 dog attacks on its employees occur each year, resulting in injuries, many severe, as well as considerable trauma. The CWU put that figure at 6,000 a year.
The Langley Inquiry will look into why so many mail carriers suffer attacks, the impact of continuing dog attacks on postmen and postwomen, and whether existing legislation is adequate or enforced regarding dangerous dogs.
Royal Mail chairman Donald Brydon said: “It is an offence to decency that good people should suffer these attacks when carrying out their daily jobs and serving the public.”
The CWU welcomed Royal Mail’s launch of an independent inquiry, but said today that the government should act to strength dog control legislation “without delay”.
The union wants to see the Dangerous Dogs Act extended to cover incidences on private land, where it said 70% of attacks on postal workers occur, “but irresponsible owners are immune from prosecution”.
It also wants to see increased police and dog warden powers, compulsory microchipping of dogs, better enforcement action and stiffer court penalties.
The union said the inquiry would raise public awareness of the issue, but claimed the Government had been “dragging its feet for far too long” on improving matters.
CWU deputy secretary Dave Ward said: “We are very pleased to see Royal Mail taking positive action on this very serious issue affecting postal workers. The CWU has been campaigning for a change in the law on dangerous dogs for a long time – we welcome this important inquiry and would also like to see the Government act now.”
