Categories: PETS

More than 5,800 USPS letter carriers attacked by dogs


Many attacks reported by U.S. Postal Service mail carriers came from dogs whose owners stated, “My dog won’t bite.”

DENVER — More than 5,800 U.S. Postal Service employees were attacked by dogs while delivering the mail last year.

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) said aggressive dog behavior is a common safety concern among its employees.  

Denver had 21 dog bites, and Colorado had 94 dog bites last year, according to new USPS data. In 2023, Denver was the 18th worse city in the country for dog bites on mail carriers.

USPS said its mail carriers know all dogs can bite, even those perceived as nonaggressive, as dogs are protective of their turf.

“Letter carriers are exposed to potential hazards every day, none more prevalent than a canine encounter. All it takes is one interaction for a letter carrier to possibly suffer an injury,” said Leeann Theriault of USPS. “The U.S. Postal Service consistently encourages responsible pet ownership. The national dog bite campaign is an effort to promote dog bite awareness to keep our customers, their dogs, and letter carriers safe while delivering the mail.”

Most people know the approximate time their letter carrier arrives every day. USPS said that customers securing their dog before the carrier approaches can minimize potentially dangerous interactions.

USPS said pet owners also should remind children not to take mail directly from a letter carrier as the dog may view the carrier as a threat to the child.

“Even though a customer’s dog is friendly to most people, it can always have a bad day,” said letter carrier Tara Snyder. “I know, from experience, even when a dog is in the house, customers need to make sure their door is secure so their dog can’t push it open and bite the letter carrier.”

What pet owners can do:

  • Keep dogs inside the house or behind a fence.
  • Keep dogs away from the door or in another room.
  • Keep dogs on a leash.

USPS said its carriers are trained to be alert for potentially dangerous conditions and to respect a dog’s territory.

Letter carriers are trained to:

  • Not startle a dog.
  • Keep their eyes on any dog.
  • Never assume a dog will not bite.
  • Make some noise or rattle a fence to alert a dog if entering a yard.
  • Never attempt to pet or feed a dog.
  • Place their foot against an outward swinging door to prevent a dog from escaping.

SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Animals and Wildlife

MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS

Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER

Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n 

ADD THE 9NEWS+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for “9news” to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.



Source link

Doggone Well Staff

Recent Posts

Surrey exploring allowing leashed dogs at Crescent Beach during weekdays this summer

Photo: City of Surrey SURREY Mayor Brenda Locke at the Council meeting on Wednesday directed…

3 hours ago

Tucson’s PACC offers free microchips, ID tags for pet safety this 4th of July | Local News

PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KVOA) - Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is stepping up to help…

4 hours ago

What is the Cleveland APL Dog’s Day Out program?

The feel-good program lets you sign out a pup for the afternoon to walk, hike…

4 hours ago

Pet Of The Week – Stella

Stella is an adult female American Staffordshire Terrier. This petite little girl is 2 years…

5 hours ago

Should you let your pets sleep on the bed? Experts say it’s not that simple

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big…

6 hours ago

How To Keep Your Pets Safe In Montana’s Summer Heat

Keep Your Pets Safe This Montana SummerIt's summer time in Montana. Time to get the…

6 hours ago