Royal Mail today (July 6) announced that 2,019 dog attacks on its staff were reported over the past year, an 8% decrease on the previous reporting period. However, while the company welcomed the decline, the number of attacks remains unacceptably high.
The total equates to an average of 38 attacks every week across the UK, with some resulting in permanent and life-changing injuries. Now the company is warning: "Every attack is one too many."
This year saw fewer attacks causing serious injuries to postal workers. There were 61 serious injuries recorded in 2025/26, down from 74 the previous year - a 17% decrease. Despite the improvement, the number of serious injuries remains a concern.
The figures have been released at the start of the 14th annual Dog Awareness Week, which runs from July 6 until July 12, aiming to promote responsible dog ownership. Royal Mail is urging dog owners to recognise the devastating impact dog attacks can have on postmen and postwomen, and to take simple steps to ensure their pets pose no threat to postal workers or the wider community.
High-risk postcode areas
For the second consecutive year, the S (Sheffield) postcode recorded the highest number of incidents, with 61 attacks reported. Although still the postcode area with the greatest number of attacks, the total figure was down 8% on last year, when 66 attacks were recorded.
Two postcode areas were ranked joint second for dog attacks on postal workers - DN (Doncaster) and GU (Guildford), each recording 53 incidents. They were followed by NE (Newcastle) and PO (Portsmouth) postcode areas in third place, with 50 attacks each.
- 1st: S (Sheffield) – 61 attacks (8% decrease from 66 in 2024/25). Has topped the ranking for the fifth time.
- 2nd: DN (Doncaster) and GU (Guildford) – 53 each. DN saw a 26% increase; GU a 2% decrease.
- 3rd: NE (Newcastle) and PO (Portsmouth) – 50 each. NE up 11%; PO down 17%.
- 4th: NG (Nottingham) – 48 attacks (2% decrease).
- 5th: SA (Swansea) – 44 attacks (76% increase).
- 6th: BT (Belfast) – 37 attacks (18% decrease).
- 7th: ME (Rochester) – 36 attacks (38% increase).
- 8th: TN (Kent/Sussex/Surrey) and YO (York) – 35 each. TN down 38%; YO up 25%.
- 9th: LE (Leicester) – 34 attacks (31% increase, first time in top 10).
- 10th: ST (Staffordshire) – 31 attacks (23% decrease).
Where attacks happen
1,048 dog attacks (52%) happened at the front door, up 4% from 1,005 last year. This shows that most incidents occur on private property, where postal workers have a legal right to access. A further 511 attacks (25%) took place in gardens, driveways or yards, while 135 (7%) happened on streets or roads. Another 324 injuries (16%) were caused through the letterbox.
Dog attacks on Royal Mail colleagues resulted in 3,442 days of absence in 2025/26 - with the longest period ongoing at 300+ days.
Advice for dog owners
With approximately 15.5 million pet dogs in the UK, according to UK Pet Food’s Pet Data Report 2026, Lizz Lloyd, Health & Safety Director at Royal Mail, stresses: “While it’s encouraging to see dog attacks on our colleagues fall by 8% last year, these incidents remain a serious risk to postal workers, resulting in painful injuries and lasting distress. Every attack is one too many.
“We continue to raise awareness of the issue among the public, but preventing attacks starts at the doorstep. We’re urging dog owners to take simple steps, such as keeping pets secure before opening the door, to help keep our people safe.”
Royal Mail advises dog owners to: ensure your dog is out of the way before the postman or postwoman arrives; never open the door when your dog is behind you; secure any access between back and front garden; keep your dog in another room before answering the door; give your dog food or a toy to occupy them; wait 10 minutes after mail delivery before letting your pet back into the hallway; consider installing a wire letter receptacle or a secure mailbox on the edge of your property.
