An MP has called on dog owners to keep their pets away from letter boxes after he was bitten while delivering election leaflets.
Steve Race, Labour MP for Exeter, said he needed hospital treatment after a dog bit his finger as he posted campaign materials.
He supports a campaign led by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the Blue Cross charity. The campaign urges dog owners to ensure their pets do not pose a risk to people delivering mail and packages.
Race said, “I have had a bit of a taste of what postal and delivery workers face every day.”
He received treatment at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after the bite on May 1. An X-ray showed that a bone in his little finger was chipped. Doctors also found debris from the dog’s mouth inside the wound.
Race warned many people do not know they can be prosecuted if their dog attacks a delivery person—even if the attack happens through a letter box.
“I am working with the CWU and Blue Cross to promote online resources that help dog owners manage these risks,” he added.
Other Politicians Share Similar Experiences
Two other politicians in Devon have also been attacked by dogs and support Race’s call for responsible dog ownership.
Selaine Saxby, former Conservative MP for North Devon, said she was door-knocking last May when a dog bit a chunk out of her leg. The dog came out from the back door of the house she was visiting. There was no warning sign on the gate.
She said, “The height of the bite was at a child’s face level. It could have been much worse if it was a child.”
Saxby needed hospital treatment and said the attack made her more nervous around dogs.
“We have people delivering to our homes every day. It should be safe for postal and delivery workers. If dogs are around, there should be clear signs and a secure box at the end of the driveway,” she said.
Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, also spoke out. His guide dog, Jennie, was injured in an attack by an American XL bully. He wants stronger measures to prevent all dog attacks, not just those on delivery workers.
Darling said he was once bitten by a small terrier. He believes the problem is not about banning certain breeds but about better socialisation and stricter dog control laws.
“At the time Jennie was attacked, there was a lot of attention on XL bullies. But I think it’s about responsible ownership and proper dog socialisation, not banning breeds,” he said.
Blue Cross Highlights Postal Worker Injuries
Kerry Taylor, education manager at Blue Cross, said thousands of postal workers are injured by dogs every year.
“Most of these attacks could be prevented,” she said. “Most of the dogs involved are family pets. Owners never imagine their pets could harm or scare anyone.”
Related Topics
One Graduate’s Research, Resolve — and a Dog Named Fred
Preservation Commission Raises Concerns Over Grey Park Dog Park Design
Dog Dies After Savage Attack by Unleashed Pocket Bully
