The United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued a pressing reminder for dog owners to ensure their pets are secure during mail deliveries, following over 5,200 dog attacks on postal workers last year.
This advisory coincides with the USPS’s annual campaign for dog bite awareness, which takes place throughout June, aiming to minimize incidents involving postal employees and to encourage responsible pet ownership.
“Every day, our postal employees navigate their routes within a changing and often unpredictable environment,” stated Leanne Thériault, USPS Employee Safety and Health Awareness Manager.
She emphasized that vigilance is crucial to prevent dog-related incidents.
Interestingly, the USPS points out that even typically calm dogs can act unpredictably when they feel threatened or are guarding their territory.
To mitigate risks, the agency encourages pet owners to secure their dogs before opening doors, keeping them on a leash during delivery hours. It’s also advisable to refrain from retrieving mail directly from the carrier when the pet is close by.
Postal officials noted that dog attacks can lead to hefty financial repercussions for owners, which includes medical expenses and potential lost income.
The story of San Antonio mail carrier Fiona Hudson illustrates the hazards faced by postal workers. She recounted a frightening episode: “While I was on my route, a dog jumped over the fence and lunged at me. I ended up at the hospital, bleeding and with a severe arm sprain.” Hudson remarked that while her physical injuries have healed, the emotional impact of the attack lingers.
She urged pet owners to act responsibly and consider the safety of their animals during delivery times.
The USPS cautioned that a carrier might halt service if feeling threatened by a dog, which could lead to residents needing to pick up their mail at the local post office until matters are settled.
If the dog issue persists, homeowners might even be required to rent a post office box to receive their mail. Additionally, USPS indicated that if a dog roams the area, neighboring residents might also have to collect their mail from the post office.
Last year, the city with the highest number of reported dog attacks on postal workers was Los Angeles, recording 70 incidents. Dallas followed with 50, then Denver with 45, Houston with 44, and Chicago with 43.
The USPS reiterated that ensuring employee safety remains their top priority.
