Look, It’s Quite Simple: Don’t Put Your Hand Into The Letterbox!

The mother of an East Lancashire MP is recovering in hospital after a dog bit off the tip of her finger while she was delivering election leaflets.

No, she didn’t stop in the street to stroke it and it went for her – the dozy mare was posting stuff through the letterbox and pushed her hand through. I mean, it’s not a totally unknown occurrence, is it?

Now the MP is supporting calls for a major reform to dangerous dogs legislation and greater protection for postal workers, paper boys and girls and all kinds of leafletters.

Oh? Why?

Given the usual delight in ‘teaching granny to suck eggs’ guidance that the state employees so love, why aren’t you recommending a course on H&S for all leafletters that instructs them in how to put post through a door without falling prey to a dog (or cat)?

After all, even the Greens have worked this out!

Her husband Dr Maclennan, 54, who is standing in the Bursledon ward, was also attacked by another dog days earlier.

He says he has resorted to putting leaflets through doors with salad tongs to avoid being bitten.

See? Once bitten, twice shy! Usually, anyway...

Mrs Stephenson, who comes from Cheshire, said: “There was no warning notice on the gate or the house – it was quite a shock.”

Well, the reason for the ‘no signage’ is because those ubiquitous ‘beware of the dog’ signs were regarded by lawyers as admitting liability.

And since most leafletters don’t bother to read (or heed) the ‘no junk mail’ signs, given the amount of useless bumf I get through my door, what makes you think any signage would have any effect anyway?

Particularly on the political class and their supporters, who would believe they weren't delivering 'junk mail' since they believe in their 'right' to do as they please regardless?

MP Mr Stephenson said the attack, which happened around 12.30pm on Tuesday, was reported to Lancashire Police, but will not lead to a criminal investigation .

Mr Stephenson said: “I have been critical of the law relating to dangerous dogs a number of times before, which I believe fails to protect the public.

“Indeed I called for changes in the law in February after meeting the Police Federation, the National Dog Warden Association and the RSPCA.

“Something must be done to protect the postal workers, volunteers and the public from dangerous dogs and remind owners of their responsibilities.”

This ties in somewhat with Longrider’s recent post at 'Orphans' – the dog is secured on the owner's property, where it's entitled to be, not running loose in a public place.

You have encroached on his territory - if you are intent on shoving unsolicited mail through the door, then it’s incumbent on you to find another way to do it that doesn’t result in you putting your hand through the door.

No sympathy.