Wootton Bassett postman injured in dog attack

A Royal Mail worker based at Royal Wootton Bassett was attacked by a dog while on duty.

The man, who has not been named, was bitten by the dog at an address in Pink Lane, Malmesbury, on July 5.

The incident happened between 11am and 11.30am while the man, who works at the Royal Wootton Bassett delivery office, was out delivering post and is being investigated by police.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “We can confirm that inquiries are continuing into an incident in which a man was bitten by a dog at an address in Pink Lane, Malmesbury between 11am and 11.30am last Thursday, July 5.”

The man suffered serious injuries, which required extensive surgery, and was kept at Great Western Hospital overnight.

Royal Mail spokeswoman Valerie Antoine said: “We can confirm that a postman in the Malmesbury area has been seriously attacked by a dog whilst delivering mail.

"Our main aim is to prevent attacks. If we feel that there is a risk from a dog, or any other animal, at an individual address, we are committed to working with the customer to agree simple steps to ensure that we can deliver the mail safely.

“We always welcome the co-operation of our customers for taking responsibility for keeping their pets under control.

“We also regularly communicate with our people about the dangers of dog attacks and provide advice to postmen and women on techniques to minimise harm in the event of an attack.

"There are around 4,000 animal attacks a year on Royal Mail people. These attacks cause great distress and in too many cases serious injuries.”

Comments(5)

epiphany says...
5:23pm Wed 11 Jul 12

This is why a change in the law is required. Trouble is people seem to be gaga as far as their dogs are concerned.The national media dont help much...its all a jolly laugh when a postman is bitten and the Plusnet advertising campaign depicting a dog hanging off a postman's leg cant help.It is reported differently if a child's face is ripped off by a crazed 'devil dog'.
Perhaps the introduction of a £1000 license and a mandatory prison sentence for owners of dogs that attack might go some way.
Having lost my left hand to an attack by a Ridgeback whilst in Chad I know to well the mental effects of such an incident ..however the owner did pay for this with his life .

well oill beef hooked says...
7:01pm Wed 11 Jul 12

If the dog was out of his home then ok the dog should be put down and the owner sued because it would be out of control.This was a dog in his own property he was doing what is naturel,protecting his property.

Cyril Clunge says...
4:55pm Fri 13 Jul 12

Another stupid dog owner.

notscot says...
6:57pm Tue 17 Jul 12

well oill beef hooked wrote:
If the dog was out of his home then ok the dog should be put down and the owner sued because it would be out of control.This was a dog in his own property he was doing what is naturel,protecting his property.
Another wonderful excuse for a BADLY trained dog.
If you consider it valid - do you think perhaps the Royal Mail should sue - on the grounds that the owners didn't inform them that - due to owning a dangerous dog - they would COLLECT all mail from the sorting office.
Ridiculous situation.
You'd say the same if a child entered the property looking for help?
Your child?

well oill beef hooked says...
1:12pm Wed 18 Jul 12

notscot wrote:
well oill beef hooked wrote:
If the dog was out of his home then ok the dog should be put down and the owner sued because it would be out of control.This was a dog in his own property he was doing what is naturel,protecting his property.
Another wonderful excuse for a BADLY trained dog.
If you consider it valid - do you think perhaps the Royal Mail should sue - on the grounds that the owners didn't inform them that - due to owning a dangerous dog - they would COLLECT all mail from the sorting office.
Ridiculous situation.
You'd say the same if a child entered the property looking for help?
Your child?
The owner was wrong and should have a postbox at the end of her garden.Yes i would say the same thing as when i was a child i was bit by a dog in those circumstances,i was on his property.If i was on a street i would have had him put down.

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