EX postcode is hotspot for postie dog attacks

Area appears on list again

A postcode which covers all of Exeter and parts of Devon is one most feared by postal workers.

In 2023 alone, Royal Mail recorded a staggering 40 incidents within this postcode.

This alarming trend is not isolated, with the EX area appearing on the company's most dangerous list in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The severity of these attacks is also escalating nationwide. In the year leading up to March 31, 2024, dog attacks on Royal Mail employees surged by 15% across the country. 

More alarmingly, incidents resulting in serious and significant injuries witnessed a dramatic 148% increase.

There’s also been a rise in MPs being nipped whilst canvassing. Exeter’s Steve Race had to be patched up after having his finger bitten on Polling Day this year. He’s now backing a campaign to get the numbers down.

Dog owners must understand their legal responsibilities. 

A 2020 High Court ruling established that owners can be prosecuted for injuries caused by their dogs to delivery personnel, even if the dog is inside the house and the attack occurs through a letterbox, and whether the owner is home or not.

Some top tips for keeping your dog and your postie safe include:

- Secure your dog in another room before you answer the door
- Don’t let young children answer the door, who may not think about or be able to stop your dog rushing out
- Avoid leaving your dog unsupervised in your front garden
- Install an external letterbox or internal cage so that your dog can’t get at your post – this also makes sure your dog isn’t able to eat anything harmful that might come through the post, like medications or cleaning products

Animal charity Blue Cross offer webinars to share advice on the issue.