A CAMPAIGN to reduce the number of dog attacks on postal workers has won the support of Hartlebury's MP.

Conservative Si Peter Luff, who represents Mid Worcestershire, gave the initiative his backing as it was revealed 3,300 attacks were recorded between April, 2013 and April, 2014.

The Royal Mail’s annual Dog Awareness Week aimed to highlight the risk postal workers and other members of the public faced of being attacked by a dog while carrying out their job and encouraging responsible dog ownership.

Sir Peter said: “There were 20 dog attacks on postal workers recorded in Mid Worcestershire in the last year - the number of dog attacks on postal workers across the country is still far too high.

“Postal workers are not the only ones facing the risk of being attacked by a dog while carrying out their jobs. Volunteers - including politicians - also encounter dogs when out canvassing and leafleting in their local areas. I’ve had one or two close shaves myself and I know of many colleagues who have received serious injuries.

“The tendency can be to laugh at 'dog bites postie' stories but there is absolutely nothing funny about it. Royal Mail, CWU, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Dogs Trust are doing a fantastic job promoting responsible dog ownership and I fully support this important campaign.”

As part of Dog Awareness Week, which ran last week, an event was held in Parliament to provide MPs with advice on how to react around dogs when out in their constituencies.

Royal Mail has published the results of a survey of MPs and Assembly Members about their personal experiences of being bitten by a dog.

The survey found that politicians face similar risks of being attacked by a dog to postal workers when out canvassing or delivering leaflets. Just over half of the near 50 respondents revealed they had an incident with a dog.

Shaun Davis, Royal Mail group director of health, safety, wellbeing and sustainability, said: “We’re pleased that Sir Peter Luff MP is lending their support to our important campaign. Nobody should face this hazard while simply trying to do their job.

“Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people, who provide a valuable service to our customers. We appeal to owners to keep their pets under control, especially if they know their pets have a territorial nature.

"It can also be simple things that help - for example just making sure the dog is kept inside when the postman calls.”