Dog owners could face up to 5 years in prison if their dog bites a postal worker
Dog owners could be criminally liable and face up to five years in prison if their dog attacks postal workers delivering mail, a High Court judge has decided.
This decision comes after the judge heard a case of a Royal Mail worker who sadly lost the top of a finger whilst delivering letters. While the dog had no history of being aggressive, the owner didn't take action to intervene.
The new rule states that dog owners could now be convicted and face a maximum five-year prison sentence. This applies to anyone who is delivering free newspapers, post, parcels or leaflets, the court has ruled.
Sadly, since 2013, more than 650 postal workers have been attacked while posting mail through the letterbox.
Darlington-based Angela Chapman, who has worked as a postwoman for 13 years, told Plymouth Live about her frightening encounter with a dog. She explained: 'I was delivering mail on a new route and posted a letter through a letterbox. I wasn't aware of a dog at the property and it didn't bark as I approached the door. My hand didn't actually go through the letterbox when I posted the mail, but the dog instantly latched on to the letter and pulled my hand into the letterbox.
'It bit onto my three fingers and wouldn't let go. The dog's owner didn't come to my aid, so I had to literally pull my hand out of the dog's grip. I went into shock and some neighbours who had heard me screaming called an ambulance and I was taken to hospital.'
On the back of this, the Royal Mail is now urging owners to keep their pets away from letterboxes. Dogs are known for getting excited when new visitors arrive, so it's always best to try and keep pups away from the front door.
Dr Shaun Davis, Royal Mail Group's global director of safety, health, wellbeing and sustainability, added: 'We know that the majority of dog owners are responsible and will do all they can to ensure their pet doesn't harm anyone.
'However, even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal staff. Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable.'
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