Guernsey posties face two dog bites every month as safety campaign launches
- Guernsey Post launching "Protect Our Posties. Protect Your Pets" campaign from Monday to reduce dog bite incidents
- Postal workers experience average of two dog bite incidents per month, often requiring hospital treatment
- Every household will receive information leaflet, supported by social media video
- Campaign asks residents to secure dogs before opening door to postal workers
- Initiative aims to protect both postal workers and pets through simple routine changes
Guernsey Post is launching a community safety campaign aimed at reducing dog bite incidents affecting postal workers across the island.
The "Protect Our Posties. Protect Your Pets" campaign will begin on Monday, with every household on Guernsey receiving an information leaflet. The initiative will be supported by a social media video encouraging simple actions to prevent incidents.
Postal workers on the island experience an average of two dog bite incidents every month. When a postal worker is bitten, they may require hospital treatment, including injections and antibiotics, regardless of the size or temperament of the dog involved.
The campaign centres on a single request: residents should secure their dogs before opening the door to postal workers.
Shelley Carberry, health and safety manager at Guernsey Post, said: "We know how much people love their dogs - we do too. But even the most well-behaved pet can act unpredictably when someone approaches the door. Sadly, we are seeing a steady number of incidents, and the reality is that a dog bite can mean a colleague ends up in A&E receiving treatment.
"This campaign is about raising awareness and asking for a small action that makes a big difference. By securing dogs before answering the door, customers can help keep our posties safe while also protecting their pets from harm or distress."
Guernsey Post has emphasised that postal workers appreciate the role pets play in island life and encounter dogs daily during their rounds. However, the organisation says these incidents are often avoidable with simple precautions.
The company says the campaign is about working together to maintain the safety of both postal workers and pets, with a small change in routine capable of preventing painful incidents and ensuring deliveries remain positive and safe interactions.
Q&A
Q: How many dog bite incidents do Guernsey postal workers experience?
A: Guernsey Post colleagues experience an average of two dog bite incidents every month.
Q: What is the main message of the campaign?
A: The campaign asks residents to secure their dogs before opening the door to postal workers.
Q: What treatment might postal workers require after a dog bite?
A: Postal workers bitten by dogs may require hospital treatment, which can include injections and antibiotics.
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