Urgent warning issued to pet owners after USPS reveals shocking number of dog attacks on mail carriers
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is sounding the alarm on the importance of keeping dogs secured during mail deliveries, following a staggering 5,200 postal workers being attacked by canines last year.
This urgent warning comes as USPS launches its annual Dog Bite Awareness campaign in June, with the aim of reducing attacks on mail carriers and promoting responsible pet ownership.
Leeann Theriault, USPS’s employee safety and health awareness manager, emphasized the need for constant vigilance in preventing dog-related incidents, especially as postal employees navigate various environments daily.
Even dogs known for their calm and well-behaved nature can act unpredictably when feeling threatened or protective of their territory, the USPS highlighted. To mitigate risks, pet owners are advised to secure their dogs before opening doors, keep them leashed during delivery hours, and avoid accepting mail directly from carriers when pets are nearby.
The agency also underscored the financial implications for dog owners in the event of an attack, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The story of San Antonio letter carrier Fiona Hudson serves as a poignant example of the dangers faced by mail carriers, with Hudson recounting a harrowing incident where she was attacked by a dog while on her route.
In 2015 alone, dog attacks on postal employees surged by 14 percent to 6,549, signaling a concerning trend. Hudson’s plea for customers to take responsibility for securing their pets during delivery hours resonates with the USPS’s mission to ensure the safety of its employees.
Failure to address dangerous dog issues can result in temporary mail service suspensions, necessitating residents to pick up their mail at a local post office until a resolution is reached. Persistent dog-related incidents may even lead to homeowners needing to rent a post office box to receive mail.
The city of Los Angeles topped the list for reported dog attacks on mail carriers last year, with 70 incidents, followed by Dallas, Denver, Houston, and Chicago. The USPS’s commitment to prioritizing employee safety underscores the gravity of the issue and the need for proactive measures to prevent future incidents.
As the USPS continues its efforts to raise awareness about dog bite prevention, it urges pet owners to take proactive steps to secure their dogs during mail deliveries, ensuring the safety of both postal workers and pets alike.
