Dog owners are being urged to secure comprehensive insurance as the risk of costly compensation claims increases following a surge in dog attacks. Recent statistics from Royal Mail reveal a concerning 15% rise in reported dog attacks over the past year, with 2,206 incidents recorded up to March 2024. The number of serious injuries from dog bites has skyrocketed by 148%, from 33 to 82 cases year on year.
Postal workers have been particularly vulnerable, with 42 attacks occurring every week. Legal expert Lara O’Donnell, Head of Personal Injury at CEL Solicitors, highlights that postal workers injured by dogs are often entitled to compensation, especially when pet owners fail to control their animals.
“Incidents involving postal workers are frequently linked to owner negligence,” O’Donnell said. “While the responsibility falls on pet owners to ensure their dogs do not pose a danger, employers must also take adequate steps to protect their staff.”
The increase in dog-related injuries is part of a broader trend. In 2023, police forces in England and Wales recorded a 21% increase in dog attacks, with 30,539 incidents reported, up from 25,291 the previous year. The spike has left many postal workers and delivery drivers at risk of serious injury, with growing concerns over workplace safety.
As part of its Dog Awareness campaign, Royal Mail is advising homeowners to take extra precautions, such as securing dogs when a postal worker arrives, installing letter cages, or setting up external delivery points to prevent bites through letterboxes. Royal Mail’s research also identified Portsmouth and Belfast as the most dangerous areas, with each experiencing 62 attacks in the past year.
The statistics paint a troubling picture for the safety of postal workers, with nearly half of all attacks occurring at the front door and a further 26% in gardens, yards, or driveways. In 2020, a High Court ruling made it clear that dog owners could be prosecuted for attacks, even those involving bites through letterboxes, which have led to several serious injuries.
The impact is not confined to Royal Mail employees. The rise of online shopping has placed other delivery workers at risk. A notable case in 2022 saw an Amazon delivery driver attacked by a large French Mastiff in South Wales, resulting in severe injuries to his hand and forearm.
As dog attacks continue to rise, experts are warning that pet owners without proper insurance may face substantial financial and legal consequences.
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