Dog attacks remain ‘significant safety risk’ for postal workers

Almost 2,200 dog attacks were recorded on Royal Mail staff in the UK past year, new data reveals.

Royal Mail said its staff reported 2,197 dog attacks in the 2024-25 financial year, down slightly from 2,206 the year before, but the organisation included 53 weeks in the 2023-24 financial year. Adjusting for that extra week, 2024-25 is up 2% on the year before.

However, Royal Mail reported a drop in significant injuries from dog attacks, with 74 recorded last year, down from 82 in 2023-24.

In addition, the data reveals that the Sheffield postcode had the most incidents, with 66 reported, followed by 60 in the Portsmouth area.

Lizz Lloyd, Health and Safety Director at Royal Mail, said: “Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers. In many cases, these incidents result in serious injuries, emotional distress, and time away from work.

“Royal Mail continues to call on the public to be vigilant and responsible by securing their pets before opening the door to receive mail or packages.”