Dog attacks

The Royal Mail has appealed for the Scottish public to keep dogs under control following a dramatic rise in the number of attacks on staff over the last year.

The plea came after figures showed more than 50 attacks took place in the east of Scotland in the last year.

The company has reportedly warned it would stop delivering to some homes and even press for legal action to be taken against irresponsible owners unless the attacks stopped.

In a bid to combat the growing trend, postmen are already provided with sonic alarms to ward off roaming dogs.

In Scotland, 138 postmen were attacked between April and June, almost 50% more than in the same period last year.

A total of 52 attacks occurred in the east of Scotland - compared to 34 last year - with a further 52 in the west and 34 in the north.

One former postman, who was injured in an attack by a Rottweiler last year, said: "A postie being chased by a dog may sound comical - it is just like a cartoon sketch - but it isn't funny if you're on the receiving end."

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Katrina Elsey from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of dog incidents in the UK particularly attacks on postmen and delivery drivers who are at a high risk. Being bitten by a dog can be a terrifying experience which can lead to serious injury and sometimes death. Some dogs are unpredictable leaving both physical and psychological scars.

"Unfortunately, many postmen are bitten during their rounds and therefore it is important that dog owners act responsibly and keep their pets under control."