'EX' postcode remains one of the worst for dog injuries against posties
Exeter's MP is urging owners to be responsible after he was bitten whilst delivering election leaflets
After being bitten by a dog whilst delivering election leaflets, a Devon MP is trying to protect postal workers and delivery drivers.
Exeter's Steve Race ended up in hospital with a chipped bone and had two X-rays.
He says the 'EX' postcode had some of the highest number of incidents recorded by Royal Mail in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024 - with 40 attacks reported last year alone.
Steve Race was bitten by a dog through a letterbox on May 1 and received treatment at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital which found the bite had chipped bone from his little finger and left debris from the dog’s mouth inside.
After two x-rays, local anaesthetic, a thorough cleaning, stitches, a tetanus booster and a round of antibiotics, Mr Race was able to get back out on the campaign trail.
Mr Race said: "Royal Mail keeps a record of dog attacks on postal workers and has found the EX postcode area to be among the most dangerous areas, making the list in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024. 40 attacks were reported here last year.
"Across the country, dog attacks on Royal Mail employees increased by 15% in the year to 31st March 2024, alongside a startling 148% increase in attacks causing serious and significant injuries.
"Many people aren’t aware that they can be prosecuted if their dog attacks a delivery person. Even in instances where the dog is locked in the house but has access to the letterbox, the High Court ruled in 2020 that owners can be prosecuted for injuries caused to delivery personnel, whether they’re at home or not.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the fantastic team at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for sorting me out so quickly and the brilliant follow up care I’ve received over the past week. With the higher risk of infection, I could be in a much worse situation if they hadn’t patched me up so efficiently and effectively.
“Our Accident and Emergency departments continue to deal with high demand, but this Government is investing in the system at all levels so that people can receive the care they need promptly in the most appropriate setting.
“I’m supporting the Communication Workers' Union’s campaign on dog safety for postal and other delivery workers and I'm grateful to the Housing Minister for taking time to meet them last month to discuss the ground-level letterboxes campaign. I get a taste of the hard work they put in when I’m out and about delivering leaflets and I had the chance to join my local postie on his round this winter, but they do this every day and I know how physically demanding it can be.
“I’d encourage all dog owners in Exeter to take a few minutes to look at the resources provided by Blue Cross and Royal Mail, and to join the next Blue Cross webinar. With very little effort or expense, you can make sure that you, your dog and your delivery personnel – and your post - are kept safe.”
Kerry Taylor, Education Manager at Blue Cross, said: “Every year thousands of postal workers are injured by dogs. Most of these situations could've been prevented and most of these dogs are loving family pets that owners never dreamt could scare or harm anyone. Our webinar equips owners with practical advice and knowledge to protect yourself, your dog and the delivery workers that come to your home.”
There's more about the CWU campaign here