POSTIES in Notts have been attacked and injured by dogs more than 320 times while delivering letters, over the last four years.
Postmen and women in the county have suffered bites on the legs, buttocks and even genitalia while carrying out their duties, according to figures obtained by the Post.
Read postie Nat Moore's story here.While the number of attacks has fallen since 2009, Royal Mail said it is still a serious problem with more than one a week on average and it is warning owners to keep their pets under control as postmen face their busiest period at Christmas.
Postman Nat Moore, 46, who delivers mail along Mansfield Road, said: "It does happen a lot.
"I've been bitten in the past, it's something we shouldn't have to deal with.
"Sometimes I have to fend dogs off with my post bag."
He said that he has had to fend off a dog four times in the last two months, and he has reported the near misses to his manager.
A spokesman for Royal Mail said: "These attacks cause great distress and in too many cases serious injuries.
"Where attacks do take place suspensions to deliveries may be put in place in the short term in order to ensure the safety of our employees."
The spokesman also said that in the majority of animal attacks were caused by dogs.
However Royal Mail was unable to say how many households in the county were currently suspended from deliveries.
How the attacks add up: Animal attacks on posties in Notts: 2009 – 121 2010 – 72 2011 – 71 2012 – 64 Assaults on Notts posties by customers: 2009 - 8 2010 - 4 2011 - 2 2012 - 2