Incident Last Month Leads To Ban Across Housing Estate

Postal deliveries on the Greenthorpe Estate in west Leeds have been suspended following a dog attack on a postman in the area last month.

The Yorkshire Post reports that residents have been informed that they need to pick up mail from a depot following the ban.

Residents told the newspaper that the situation had left them ‘fed up’ and that they want answers as to when the situation is likely to change.

Felicity MacFarlane of Royal Mail, which is currently seeking assurances the dog will not be roaming the estate, told the newspaper: “We apologise for the inconvenience but our priority is the health and safety of staff. They should be allowed to deliver without fear of attack.”

Dog attacks have been rarely out of the news this year, with a number of high-profile incidents including fatal attacks and others in which victims have been left seriously injured.

The Government has previously announced plans to introduce measures which include compulsory microchipping of puppies, as well as a closure in a loophole which currently means dog owners cannot be prosecuted over attacks which take place on private property.

Expert Opinion

While the situation related to this estate must be incredibly and understandably frustrating for the residents, it is welcome to see steps being taken to ensure postal workers are protected from the risk of attacks. <br/> <br/>"Through our work acting for victims of dog attacks, we have seen first-hand the physical and psychological trauma that such incidents can cause. Irwin Mitchell also saw a rise in enquiries in relation to dog attacks earlier this year and the issue has been regularly under the media spotlight. <br/> <br/>"It is clear more needs to be done to protect people from the risks of dog attacks and the Government has rightly looked to address the issue with its proposed measures. <br/> <br/>"Our primary concern however is whether such proposals are strong enough or being introduced soon enough – with many not expected until 2016. Action on this issue is needed now and the introduction of compulsory insurance and licensing for owners would also be a welcome step. <br/> <br/>"Such a move would ensure more can be done to help victims access the support they often need after attacks, as well as guarantee that irresponsible owners can be held to account."