UK Postal Workers Faced Nearly 2,200 Dog Attacks in 2024–25
Date: 06 July 2025
Annual Summary
Royal Mail recorded 2,197 dog attacks on its staff last year—averaging 42 per week and marking a 2% year‑on‑year rise. Serious injuries slightly declined from 82 to 74 incidents.
High‑Risk Postcode Hotspots
- Sheffield (S): 66 attacks—the UK’s highest
- Portsmouth (PO): 60 attacks
- Kent/Sussex/Surrey (TN): 56 attacks
- Other top areas (GU, NG, CM, BN, BT, NE, SN, DN, ST): 40–54 attacks each
Locations & Attack Types
- Letterbox: 403 attacks (18%)
- Front door: 1,005 attacks (46%)
- Garden/driveway: 606 attacks (28%)
- Street/roadside: 183 attacks (8%)
A High Court ruling confirmed owners can be prosecuted for letterbox attacks—even if they’re not home.
Impact on Staff
These incidents led to 2,700 days of staff absence, with the longest absence lasting 108 days.
Postwoman’s Account
In June 2024, Ellenore King‑Voisin from Farnborough suffered three bites above her knee, describing “flesh hanging,” and required self‑administered first aid before visiting A&E. She took three weeks off work and continues to experience lasting anxiety.
Pandemic Puppy Behaviour
Experts warn that many “pandemic puppies” missed essential socialisation, leading to reactive behaviours. Unverified online training practices further contributed to the problem—emphasising the need for structured dog training services and puppy socialisation.
Dog Awareness Week & Public Advice
From 30 June to 6 July, Royal Mail’s 13th Dog Awareness Week featured free webinars, postcards, and posters promoting safer gating, letterbox guards, and enrichment guidance for pet owners.
Legal Actions & Owner Responsibilities
Royal Mail pursued over 30 private prosecutions under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Legal clarification has reaffirmed owners remain liable for letterbox attacks.
Safety Appeal From Royal Mail
Health & Safety Director emphasized dog attacks remain “one of the most significant safety risks” to postal staff and urged dog owners to secure pets, display warning signage, and use secure mailboxes or gated entry.
Final Thoughts
Dog-related injuries to postal workers are not only physically and mentally traumatic, they’re also entirely preventable. With education, responsible ownership, and better training access, such attacks can be dramatically reduced. At Halo Dogs, we continue to advocate for public safety, positive training methods, and a more empathetic understanding of canine behaviour.
