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Postmen have been given a new device designed to scare off dogs.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Royal Mail employees were given the gadget after the number of workers being attacked by the pets rose by 20% last year.
In 2008 to 2009, 4,810 postmen were the subject of attacks, equivalent to 92 per week.
Although many staff already carry peppermint spray, which is intended to disorientate dogs for 20 minutes, some have complained that it is difficult to use.
The new gadget, being trialled in south-east England, releases compressed air and makes a hissing sound. Postmen have also been provided with advice on how to deal with dogs.
"The device releases air at speed, creating a hissing noise which is designed to pull the dog up and slow its progress," a spokesperson explained. "This is something we take extremely seriously, and we give training to staff about ways to deal with dogs."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Communication Workers Union agreed that the devices are necessary.
"It is one of the biggest health and safety issues that delivery staff face," she said. "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 letterbox."
