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Pet owners have been warned to take responsibility for their animals actions after a Fife postal worker was attacked by a dog.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) says that one of its members may be scarred for life following the assault, which took place in the Dunfermline area earlier this week.

Its representative, Garry Haldane, claims that the animal forced its way past its owner, leaping on to the worker and biting them on the face during a delivery

With the attack having been reported to the police, Mr Haldane said that it was unacceptable for postal staff to face such a threat as part of their duties.

“This is not a fault of the dog, but a fault of the owners who do not have control over their dog,” he said.

“This is not a problem postal workers should have to deal with on a daily basis.

“This should not be seen as an occupational hazard but as a real threat to our personal safety.

“Everyone should be aware that the law requires all pet owners that it is their responsibility to have control of their pet at all times.

“In this case the owners have failed to do that and we now have an injured postal worker who may be scarred for life, not just physically but possibly mentally as well.

“A dog attack is frightening for anyone to have to endure.”

Police have confirmed that they are now investigating the incident, with a spokesperson saying: “Police in Fife have received a report of a dog attack, which took place on Wednesday December 20.

“Inquiries into this incident are continuing.”

Earlier this year the Royal Mail revealed that its postmen and women have suffered over 14,500 attacks by dogs over the last five years.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers across the length and breadth of the UK and in every community.

“Royal Mail together with the CWU, animal charities and organisations want to encourage responsible dog ownership and to appeal to dog owners to keep animals under control whenever the postman or woman calls.”