ROYAL Mail has launched a campaign to crack down on the number of attacks against its staff by dangerous dogs.

According to the postal delivery company, a total of 75 separate attacks against delivery staff were recorded in Bath during the 12 months leading up to April.

As summer approaches, postal workers are said to be concerned about making deliveries as more owners let their dogs out to enjoy the warmer temperatures.

Royal Mail spokesman Dan Panes said: "It is a huge problem, so we are appealing to owners to make sure they keep their dogs under control.

"Injuries vary from a nip around the shins to a dog taking a chunk out of someone's finger, which could affect them for the rest of their working life."

Mr Panes said that owners could face having their dogs destroyed as all attacks are reported to the local dog warden, who will then advise staff of their rights to take action against the owners.

The launch of the initiative coincides with a sharp rise in the number of dog attacks in the city over the last 12 months.

Bath & North East Somerset Council's dog warden service reports a 'significant increase', with four separate incidents being reported in the last month alone.

Dog warden Dennis Oakman said: "The dog is a natural predator that is capable of inflicting severe injuries or even killing a human being.

"Most dog owners know how their dog will react when confronted with another animal or stranger but they should be responsible enough to keep direct control of their dog.

"This may even mean having their dog muzzled and on a lead whenever they are in a public place."

Mr Oakman said a dog bite which pierces the skin will nearly always lead to an infection. In extreme cases and when not properly treated, it can lead to permanent scarring and even death.

He added that a dog owner can face either a civil prosecution from the delivery worker or a criminal prosecution from the police, especially if the attack takes place away from the owner's property.

Postwoman Jess Baskaya was bitten by a sheepdog last month in an incident that led to her taking two days off work to recover.

She said: "Most posties are bitten at some stage in their career. I was bitten by a sheepdog which was walking in front of its owner.

"He was trying to keep it to heel, but it wasn't following its owner's instructions. It bit me on my ankle, drawing blood and I was unable to complete my delivery.

"Owners always say that their dog doesn't bite, but they are too complacent. Dogs should always be kept under control."

Royal Mail has five tips for dog owners see the panel at the bottom of this page to make sure they do not fall foul of the law.