TWO dog attacks on postal workers have occurred in Keighley during the past year.

And Royal Mail has issued a plea to dog owners as new figures show that reported incidents across the district and nationally have soared.

In the 12 months to March 31 this year, there were 14 reported attacks across the Bradford area – including the two in Keighley.

That compares to eight in 2022-23, a rise of 75 per cent. Two of the incidents that year were also in Keighley.

Nationally, the number of attacks has risen by 15 per cent, to 2,206 in 2023-24.

Royal Mail released the data to coincide with Dog Awareness Week, which is held annually to promote responsible dog ownership.

The company says that of the past year's attacks, 82 resulted in "serious and significant" injury – 148 per cent up on 2022-23.

As in previous years, the majority of incidents occurred at the front door of a property.

Twenty-six per cent of attacks were in the garden or yard, or on the driveway.

And seven per cent happened in the street.

"We are saddened and disappointed to see attacks on our staff continue to increase," says Lizz Lloyd, Royal Mail's health & safety director.

"Dog attacks have a devastating effect on our people and can have life-changing consequences for victims, even when the physical injury is not significant.

"We're appealing to dog owners to take proper measures to ensure their pets pose no threat to our delivery postal workers.

"Many attacks happen at the front door or in the garden, so this is not just a Royal Mail issue – other organisations face the same problem."

Dog attacks on Royal Mail workers resulted in more than 2,273 days of absence in 2023-24, with the longest individual period being 197 days.

Dave Joyce, for the Communication Workers' Union, says: "We are continuing to see a very concerning increase in dog bite incidents and severe attacks, which constitutes a growing risk and occupational safety and health problems for postal workers.

"The key objective of Dog Awareness Week is primarily to remind people to be aware of their legal and moral responsibilities to control their dogs and prevent attacks. People can be prosecuted if their dog attacks a postal worker."

Royal Mail has issued advice and guidance to dog owners with the aim of helping to keep postal workers safe. Go to royalmail.com/dogawareness