UK inquiry investigates dog attacks on postal workers

Royal Mail chairman Donald Brydon today launched an independent inquiry into the incidence of dog attacks on postal workers in the UK. The inquiry on both the prevalence and consequences of attacks by dogs on mail carriers will be conducted by Sir Gordon Langley, an arbitrator and former High Court Judge.

Royal Mail said today 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 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.

It will also look into any further actions taken by other companies in the UK or abroad regarding the issue.

The inquiry is set to report back on its findings later this year, offering ideas on how to address the problem.

Royal Mail said today that along with the Communication Workers Union (CWU), there had already been “significant” organisational efforts to control employees’ exposure to dogs, including the ongoing “Bite Back” campaign.

Nevertheless, the number of attacks remained “unacceptably high”, the company said, adding that the Langley Inquiry will therefore look beyond current proposals to amend the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act.

“Offence to decency”

Bryden said: “It is an offence to decency that good people should suffer these attacks when carrying out their daily jobs and serving the public. I am delighted that Sir Gordon has agreed to carry out this inquiry.”

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 claimed more than 6,000 postal workers are attacked each year delivering the mail. It 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”.

The CWU also wants to see increased police and dog warden powers, compulsory microchipping of dogs, better enforcement action and stiffer court penalties.

The union said today that the Royal Mail inquiry itself would raise public awareness of the issue, but said 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.”