DANGEROUS dogs are being zapped as East Lancashire's posties bite back with ray guns.

Government statistics have revealed that about 6,000 delivery staff were bitten by dogs last year, including 65 postmen and women in the BB postcode area covering most of East Lancashire.

Government trade minister Philip Oppenheimer - who owns a dog called Vomit - revealed the painful national statistic in the Commons.

He said: "I understand from the Post Office that during the 12 months to December 31, 1995, there were 5,891 animal attacks on Royal Mail letter delivery staff, with 4,817 working days lost."

Mr Oppenheimer said there had also been 143 attacks on Parcel Force delivery staff with 63 working days lost.

Today a Royal Mail spokeswoman said animal attacks on postal delivery staff were taken very seriously.

She added: "Postmen being bitten by dogs has become something of a national joke.

"But if a small child is attacked there is often an outcry.

"Fortunately the 65 attacks in East Lancashire were not serious but we are currently campaigning to ask the public to keep animals under control.

"Dog Dazers - devices which emit a high pitched sound which confuses animals - are also available to staff who may feel particularly at risk from an animal on their round.

"But we can actually refuse to deliver to homes where a dangerous animal is present."

Posties have also been attacked by cats, goats, hens and geese.

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