Royal Mail tells owners: Make sure dogs behave (From Gazette)

Royal Mail tells owners: Make sure dogs behave

7:00pm Tuesday 19th June 2012 in Colchester By Natasha Agombar, Chief Reporter

Collin Rossini with his pet, Cello

DOG owners have been sent warning letters telling them their pets should behave around posties.

But the letters from Royal Mail to residents in Bradwell left springer spaniel owner Collin Rossini bemused, as he said his dog, Cello, was not aggressive.

Postmen also use his outdoor postbox, not a letterbox, to deliver mail.

Mr Rossini, of Coggeshall Road, said: “It is so reflective of the times. Instead of dealing with the owner of the dangerous dog that is causing the problem, you get a blanket letter like a state dictat. Our rescue dog hasn’t been a moment’s trouble.”

He has had the springer spaniel and border collie cross, for eight months, after collecting her from a rescue centre.

Mr Rossini said: “Even if we had a ferocious dog, there is no way it could get to the postman. There are two gates outside.”

The letter, from delivery manager Richard Burton, which is believed to have been sent to several homes, said: “While we’ve been delivering your post, we’ve become aware of an animal at your property and I wanted to take this opportunity to contact you about how we can work together to safeguard our employees from any potential threat posed by us entering your property whilst delivering the mail.” It said animals roaming free, jumping up at people, snapping or behaving aggressively behind letterboxes and baring their teeth could raise concern.

Mr Burton suggested dogs were restrained or mail delivered to an “alternative place” away from their usual surroundings. The letter finished by saying most dogs did not cause a problem but, nationally, posties suffered about 4,000 dog-related injuries a year.

Royal Mail was asked to comment if the letters had been sent anywhere else in the area, but did not respond.