Royal Mail has reminded dog owners that they could face legal action if they do not take the correct steps to prevent their dogs from attacking postal workers. On its website, the company says it has campaigned for stronger legal protections against dog attacks and successfully won High Court cases confirming that postal workers are not trespassing when delivering mail through a letterbox, leaving dog owners liable.
High Court Ruling Clarifies Liability
Following changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act in England and Wales that came into force in May 2014, Royal Mail has carried out over 30 private prosecutions against dog owners. The company states: "This has punished offenders and further raised awareness. It is hoped that these actions will prevent further attacks by forcing owners to put in place control measures to ensure a dog does not attack again."
Royal Mail also successfully launched two actions in the High Court that settled the law regarding criminal liability of dog owners when postal workers have their fingers bitten while posting items through a letterbox. These cases clarified whether fingers inserted through a letter box amounted to a trespass, which could give the householder a potential defence. The Court held that, provided it was for the purpose of posting mail, no trespass was committed. In summing up, the judge mentioned that a cage being fitted would go some way to preventing some of the terrible injuries suffered by colleagues.
What Dog Owners Must Do
The ruling means homeowners cannot claim a postal worker was trespassing if they are bitten while delivering mail through a letterbox, leaving dog owners potentially criminally liable for such attacks. With this in mind, if your dog has a habit of attacking the mail, consider installing a wire letter receptacle. It helps protect your mail and parcels while also keeping your postman or postwoman's fingers safe.
In its tips for owners, Royal Mail suggests: "If it's not practical for you to keep your dog away from a postman or postwoman delivering your mail, please consider fitting a secure mailbox on the edge of your property." It also recommends ensuring your dog is out of the way before the postman or postwoman arrives, placing your pet in the back garden or a faraway room, never opening the door when your dog is behind you, and closing off access to the back garden in case your dog could get around to the front when the postman or postwoman calls.
Safety Measures and Awareness
Royal Mail advises that dog attacks can happen when you've opened the door to sign for an item. It recommends keeping your dog in another room before answering the door and making sure children don't open the door, as dogs can push by them and attack. Give your dog some food or a toy to occupy them while your mail is being delivered, and wait 10 minutes after your mail has arrived to let your pet back into your hallway. Keep everything as calm and low-key as possible.
Lizz Lloyd, Health & Safety Director at Royal Mail, said: “Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers. In many cases, these incidents result in serious injuries, emotional distress, and time away from work. Royal Mail continues to call on the public to be vigilant and responsible by securing their pets before opening the door to receive mail or packages. We continue to invest in safety training and awareness campaigns for both employees and the public, but emphasise that community cooperation is essential to reducing these incidents.”
