More than 100 West Midlands postmen attacked by dogs

The figures, released by Royal Mail, shows an increase in all five postcodes in the region.

Almost 80 attacks were logged by postmen and women between April 2013 and 2014, including 39 in the B postcode area.

Wolverhampton saw seven attacks, while the figure rose to 19 in Dudley.

Walsall was the only area that saw a decrease compared to the previous year, dropping to 13 from 14.

And in Staffordshire, where figures include Stafford and South Staffordshire, as well as Stoke, the number of attacks drastically rose to 45 from 19 the previous year.

There are an increased number of attacks during the summer holidays, when parents and children are at home and dogs are left off their leads to play.

Karen English, delivery director at Royal Mail, said: "We know that most dogs are not inherently dangerous, however, even the most placid animal can be prone to attack if it feels its territory is being threatened.

"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 dog owners in the Midlands 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."

The figures have been released to coincide with Dog Awareness Week, which runs this week (June 30 to July 4).

The campaign, which also works with a number of animal charities, aims to raise understanding of dog attacks and the need for responsible dog ownership.

It also appeals for dog owners to keep animals under control when the postman calls.

Royal Mail also said that MPs, councillors, and other campaigners are also at risk from dog attacks when they are out canvassing.

Mrs English added: "Following the success of last year's campaign, there is growing awareness of the issue of dog attacks and the problems our postmen and women face when they are delivering the mail.

"However, last year there were still too many incidents in the Midlands and we need to reduce this number further as even one dog attack on our people is one too many."

For more information, visit www.royalmail.com/dogawareness