By Jane Barrie
THE Communication Workers Union
says the tongue-in-cheek treat is making fun of a serious threat to posties.
POSTIES are barking mad after a
dog bone called Postman’s Leg was launched in stores across Scotland.
They say the natural beef bone,
more than a foot long, is making fun of dog attacks on postal workers.
But the manufacturers of the
£1.49 treat insist the name is purely tongue-in-cheek and pet owners see the
joke with several thousand of the bones sold every week.
A spokesman for the
Communication Workers Union said: “Whilst we appreciate the intended humour in
the name, over 26,000 postal workers have been attacked and injured by dogs in
the last six years.
“Two postmen were nearly killed
in attacks in 2007 and 2008, and many others have lost fingers and parts of
limbs.
“Reckless and negligent owners
who fail to act when their animals attack and injure postal workers or anyone
visiting their home, can now face prosecution.”
More than 26,000 posties have
been attacked since 2008
The Postman’s Leg bone is sold
all over the UK and Europe and is produced by Dugdale Davies Pet Treats, based
in Lancashire.
The firm’s director, Phil
Garvey, said: “The name is in no way intended to make light of the excellent
work done by the Royal Mail.
“Our logo features a picture of
a cartoon dog, which is why we decided on Postman’s Leg as the name, hopefully
providing a little amusement.
“We recognise there is nothing
remotely amusing about the problems faced by postal workers, especially with
regard to dangerous dogs.
“But we would hope they too
would see that it is meant purely to be tongue-in-cheek.”
Royal Mail said they were not
anti-dogs, but support responsible ownership.
Their spokesman added: “Dog
attacks are a significant hazard faced by postal workers on a daily basis.
“Since April 2011, there have
been over 5500 attacks on Royal Mail postmen and women, some leading to a
permanent, disabling injury.
“Attacks have resulted in the
loss of 4100 working days due to injuries.
“Nobody should have to endure
this and postal workers should not be at increased risk of such attacks simply
because of the job they do.”