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The sight of a fast-moving pooch has struck fear into the heart of many a postman.But the advantage may soon be switched to the beleaguered posties as they are equipped with a weapon that could help to stave off the doggy threat.
Royal Mail has now provided all delivery staff with a device that releases compressed air. The resultant hissing sound is designed to scare off the attacking animal.
Many postmen already carry a peppermint spray, which releases a cloud of gas that distracts and disorientates the nation's dogs.
But as new figures reveal that the number of postal workers attacked by dogs has increased by almost 20 per cent, a new approach was most definitely called for.
Last year, there were 4,810 dog attacks on staff and that's a rate of 92 per week. In the previous year, the number logged was 4,067.
A Royal Mail spokesman told The Telegraph: "The device releases air at speed, creating a hissing noise which is designed to pull the dog up and stop its progress."
Currently on trial in south east England, the new device could be rolled out nationwide if successful.
A spokeswoman for the Communication Workers Union, said: "It is one of the biggest health and safety issues that delivery staff face. We're well aware that it got worse last year.
"It can be very traumatising for workers not knowing what is behind the garden gate or the letter box."
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