Post workers in Tayside and Fife are running a daily gauntlet of fear of dog attacks.
John Brown, Scottish regional secretary of the Communication Workers Union, said dog attacks are a big problem for posties in the area.
The union estimates that some 5,000 postal workers and around 400 telecom engineers are attacked by domestic pets each year these range from minor incidenct to life-threatening injuries.
There have been 36 dog attacks on postal workers in the DD postcode area in the last two years but unions say the figure could be even higher because many incidents go unreported.
Posties have suffered injuries to the shins, ankles, thighs, hips, arms, hands and even the shoulder following dog attacks.
The figures were obtained after a freedom of information request submitted to Royal Mail by The Courier.
Mr Brown said it was a problem across Courier Country and posties are right to be fearful at this time of year.
He said: ”Posties in Tayside and Fife shouldn’t have to put up with this but the fact is delivery staff are worried at this time of year.
”Dogs can come out of anywhere. There is very little you can do other than retreat from the dog or else you have to take the bite, which can be really nasty.
”If it breaks the skin you have to go to hospital and get a jag. It’s not just a problem in Tayside and Fife it’s a problem across the whole of the UK.”
Mr Brown said new legislation which introduced ”dog ASBOs” in Scotland could be of little use because of a lack of wardens.
He said: ”The biggest problem is dogs that are running about loose because there is no way you can prove who owns them. Quite frankly, some of these dogs are being owned by people who use them as a reflection of their own aggression.
”The Scottish Parliament has carried legislation quite recently that intensifies the action that can be taken by councils and police. The law was changed to introduce dog ASBOs to persistent offenders to clampdown on irresponsible owners.
”The posties in your area are quite right to be disturbed and worried and it’s possible that even though legislation has been brought in by the Scottish Parliament, because councils are not being funded to provide enough dog wardens, the legislation could actually be of little use, because you need dog wardens to round up these dogs and establish the owner.”
CWU believes the current dogs laws are insufficient and leave workers vulnerable.
A spokesman for the Royal Mail said: ”The safety of its staff is a main priority for Royal Mail Group, and we ensure that advice is provided to staff regarding how to reduce the risk of attack by an animal.
”Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union have pledged to work together to raise awareness of the dangers of aggressive dogs. Proactive measures by the business include sending letters to owners of aggressive animals and warning staff where dangerous animals live.
”Whilst the Royal Mail has a legal commitment to deliver to all addresses, it also has a duty under Health and Safety law to reduce risks and prevent injury to our people. Every attack or incident should be reported to a manager and all reported incidents are investigated.”