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Dog attacks against postmen and women have reached new levels.

There were two incidents in Keighley in one week alone last month.

And on average there is one a month in the town.

In the mid-Yorkshire region - which includes the BD, HD, HG, HX, LS, WF and YO postcode areas - between April and June, there were 93 attacks on delivery staff.

Now Royal Mail has launched a campaign to get pet owners to keep their animals under control. It has staged a Dog Awareness Day to encourage the public to act and to help its staff understand the dangers and how to deal with animals they encounter.

Royal Mail area general manager Alison Wright said: "We know that not all dogs are dangerous, but even the most placid animal can be prone to attack if it feels its territory is being threatened.

"Our first priority is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people and increasingly we have to suspend deliveries because dogs are on the loose and it is not safe for our postmen and women.

"We have an extensive ongoing training programme in place to ensure staff are aware of the ways to manage the risk of a dog attack.

"Our customers can help by not allowing their dog access to any areas used by our delivery staff. They should also try and keep the pets away from their letterbox. Many of our attacks are caused by dogs snatching mail from the letterbox at the time of delivery."

The company makes sonic alarms, which give out a high-pitched frequency to ward off roaming dogs, available to its postmen and women.

Following any attack or "near miss", householders receive a letter from Royal Mail asking them to keep their pet under control or risk losing their doorstep delivery.

In more serious cases, the local dog warden service and police are informed.

8:44am Friday 8th August 2008

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