Huge rise in dog attacks on posties

THE number of postmen attacked by dogs has soared in recent months.

The Royal Mail has been forced to appeal to pet owners to keep their animals under control after more than 50 attacks took place in the East of Scotland in the last year.

The company has reportedly warned it will stop delivering to some homes and even press for legal action to be taken against irresponsible owners.

The company already provides postmen with sonic alarms to ward off roaming dogs.

Between April and June, 138 postmen were attacked, almost 50 per cent more than in the same period last year.

In the east of Scotland there were 52 attacks – compared to 34 last year – with a further 52 in the west and 34 in the north.

One former postman, who was bitten on his upper thigh by a rottweiler last year, reportedly said: "A postie being chased by a dog may sound comical – it is just like a cartoon sketch – but it isn't funny if you're on the receiving end.