Postmen get new weapon in war with dogs

Postmen are being armed with a new weapon which could hand them a crucial advantage in their perennial battle with dogs.

Royal Mail delivery staff are being equipped with a device which releases compressed air and makes a hissing sound designed to scare off dogs.

It comes as new figures reveal the number of postal workers attacked by dogs while on their rounds increased by almost 20 per cent last year.



In 2008/09, there were 4,810 attacks on staff – a rate of 92 per week – compared with 4,067 the previous year.

Many postal staff already carry peppermint spray, which releases a cloud of gas intended to distract and disorientate dogs for up to 20 minutes. It can be requested by any concerned employee, but postal workers have said it is difficult to use when being attacked.

The new spray works in a different way. A Royal Mail spokesman said: "The device releases air at speed, creating a hissing noise which is designed to pull the dog up and stop its progress." It is being trialled by staff in south-east England and could be rolled out nationwide if it produces good results.