LONDON: Britain’s state-run postal service Royal Mail will take legal action against the owners of dogs that attack its staff and will consider suspending deliveries to their homes, it announced Friday.
The Royal Mail said its postmen and women had suffered more than 3,000 attacks in the year to April, while the Communication Workers Union, which represents 134,000 postal workers, said the figure was closer to 5,000.
“Dog attacks cause injuries and terrible trauma to our staff,” said Royal Mail chairman Donald Brydon. “Nobody should have to endure this and our staff are at an increased risk of such attacks simply because of the job they do.”
Brydon said the postal service would “take a more robust approach with customers whose dogs attack postmen and women,” including looking at suspending deliveries to their homes.
“We will adjust our policies immediately,” he added.
The tough new stance follows an independent inquiry calling for owners of dangerous dogs to face greater sanctions.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have introduced new laws and similar legislation is planned in Wales — but in England, legal action cannot be taken at present if a postman is bitten on private property while approaching a home.
“This means that for postmen and women — who each have to visit hundreds of private addresses on their delivery rounds every day — the legal protection against attacks by dogs is limited,” Royal Mail said.
It welcomed the report’s call for urgent reforms to the legislation on dangerous dogs in England and Wales.
UK post service bites back over dog attacks
UK post service bites back over dog attacks
Imaan Hammam shines in bridesmaid mode
- Attends wedding of best friend and model Cindy Bruna
DUBAI: Supermodel Imaan Hammam recently attended the wedding of her best friend and fellow supermodel Cindy Bruna, who tied the knot with former basketball star and actor Blondy Baruti in an intimate ceremony in Paris.
Bruna, a French-Congolese model best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret and major fashion houses, married in a private celebration attended by close friends and family. She wore a custom gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab.
Hammam was a part of the bridal party, serving as one of Bruna’s bridesmaids. The Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian model wore a long, maroon-red gown with a sleeveless silhouette.
The dress was paired with matching elbow-length gloves in the same deep red shade, creating a coordinated and striking look that stood out but was in keeping with the formal event.
On Instagram she posted images with the caption: “Most special weekend celebrating my sis and Blondy. The most beautiful bride … truly. My heart is so full. We danced, we laughed, and we loved every moment.”
The floor-length gown featured clean lines and a streamlined cut, allowing the rich color to take centerstage. Hammam kept her styling minimal, letting the dress and gloves do most of the work.
Hammam and Bruna have been close friends for years, frequently appearing together at fashion events and on international runways.
Hammam is one of the most in-demand models in the industry. She was scouted in Amsterdam’s Centraal Station before making her catwalk debut in 2013 by walking in Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show.
Hammam has appeared on the runway for Burberry, Fendi, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Balenciaga and Carolina Herrera. And starred in international campaigns, including for DKNY, Celine, Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani and Tiffany & Co.
Earlier this year, she launched Ayni, an archival platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating Arab artistic expression from her perspective.
“For me, it’s always been so much deeper than just fashion. It is about staying connected to my roots, telling stories that move me and shining a light on the voices that need to be heard.”
She said her hope for Ayni is for it to grow beyond a personal vision and become a “real community.”
