The Communication Workers Union has slammed a pet treat firm for calling one of its products 'Roast Postman's Leg', claiming it makes fun of dog attacks on postal workers...

But the manufacturers of the £1.49 treat insist the name is purely tongue-in-cheek and pet owners see the joke with several thousand of the bones sold every week.

A union spokesperson said: “Whilst we appreciate the intended humour in the name, over 26,000 postal workers have been attacked and injured by dogs in the last six years.

“Two postmen were nearly killed in attacks in 2007 and 2008, and many others have lost fingers and parts of limbs.

“Reckless and negligent owners who fail to act when their animals attack and injure postal workers or anyone visiting their home, can now face prosecution.”

The Postman’s Leg bone is sold all over the UK and Europe and is produced by Dugdale Davies Pet Treats, based in Lancashire.

The firm’s director, Phil Garvey, said: “The name is in no way intended to make light of the excellent work done by the Royal Mail.

“Our logo features a picture of a cartoon dog, which is why we decided on Postman’s Leg as the name, hopefully providing a little amusement.

“We recognise there is nothing remotely amusing about the problems faced by postal workers, especially with regard to dangerous dogs.

“But we would hope they too would see that it is meant purely to be tongue-in-cheek.”

Royal Mail said they were not anti-dogs, but support responsible ownership.

Their spokesperson added: “Dog attacks are a significant hazard faced by postal workers on a daily basis.

“Since April 2011, there have been over 5500 attacks on Royal Mail postmen and women, some leading to a permanent, disabling injury.

“Attacks have resulted in the loss of 4100 working days due to injuries.

“Nobody should have to endure this and postal workers should not be at increased risk of such attacks simply because of the job they do.”