Postmen and women across the district are to receive extra training to help them deal with dangerous dogs.

The RSPCA has offered to give post office workers advice on encountering aggressive dogs and difficult situations involving animals.

The scheme has been announced a week after Cleckheaton postman Simon Healey, 35, won damages against a dog's owner following a savage attack.

Mr Healey had to wear a cricketer's box after a Springer spaniel sunk its teeth into his groin as he delivered mail. The bachelor, of Arnold Street, Liversedge, said he had been left mentally and physically scarred by the attack.

A Post Office spokesman said: "We do give staff training to deal with barking dogs and we advise them to put their bag between themselves and the animal," he said.

"But anything that will help postmen and women to deal with dangerous dogs and other animals is welcomed."

Mr Healey, a postman for 14 years, was delivering mail in October 1998 when the dog bolted out of a front door and seized him by the crotch. It shook its head for ten seconds before releasing its grip leaving Mr Healey in agony with a mile-long walk back to the Cleckheaton sorting office.

"I've had odd little nips at the back of my ankles before but those were nothing compared this," he said.

An RSPCA spokesman said: "It is important for postmen and women to understand what motivates a dog. Many animals naturally feel protective of their territory and can react if they feel that somebody is trespassing.

"If a postman or woman encounters a potentially threatening situation they should avoid looking the animal in the eye without making any sudden movements."

She added that pet owners have a responsibility to ensure their animals are kept under control particularly in circumstances where they know that strangers may be likely to approach the house.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.