USPS Delivers Message for National Dog Bite Awareness Week
US mail carriers face many obstacles while on the job. They must deal with rain, heat, and snow in some parts of the country. Unfortunately, postal workers also have to deal with aggressive dogs.
In 2021, over 5,400 US postal workers suffered dog bite injuries. Aggressive dogs pose a severe threat to postal employees, from nips and bites to attacks. So during National Dog Bite Awareness Week from June 5-11, the United States Postal Service (USPS) continues its tradition of calling attention to this national issue by spreading an important message to help keep mail carriers safe from dog attacks.
Best Practices to Ensure Mail Carrier Safety
Dog bites can result in severe injuries and costly medical expenses to mail carriers. USPS asks for everyone’s cooperation in controlling their dogs.
USPS wants pet owners to heed best practices to help stop dog attacks and protect letter carriers by providing these tips:
- Teach children not to take mail or packages directly from carriers in front of their pet, as your dog may think the carrier is a threat.
- If a postal worker delivers packages or mail to your front door, put your dog in a different room before opening the front door.
- Sign up for informed delivery to ensure you know when packages are delivered so you can be prepared to keep your carrier safe.
How Letter Carriers Are Trained to Avoid Dog Attacks
Mail carriers have been taught to take precautions in areas where dogs may be present. They are trained to be alert for possible dangerous situations and to respect a dog’s territory, such as:
- Stay alert at all times
- Not startle a dog
- Not assume a dog won’t bite
- Keep their eyes on the dog
- Not to rattle a fence or make noise to alert the dog
- Not to feed or pet a dog
- Put their foot against a door that swings outward
- Not to wear earbuds that could affect their ability to hear what is going on around them
- Use tools and alerts to remind them about potentially dangerous dogs on their routes
If a dog attacks, mail carriers are trained to stand their ground and protect themselves by placing something between them and the dog and using dog repellent, if necessary.
According to USPS, when a carrier feels unsafe by an aggressive dog, mail service could be suspended not only for the dog owner but for an entire block or neighborhood. When mail service is halted, you must pick up your mail at the post office. Mail delivery will be restored again once your dog is properly restrained.
Advice for Dog Owners
Dogs are loyal protectors of their owners and property and may see a mail carrier as an intruder. The best way to keep your letter carrier safe from dog bites is to promote the responsibility of pet ownership.
Dog owners should:
- Teach their dog appropriate commands and behavior
- Socialize and help their dog become accustomed to various people and situations
- Not allow their dog to roam freely
Watch YouTube Video: USPS- Keep Dogs from Biting Mail Carriers. The video from Fox News below explains how you can keep the mail carrier safe and your dog happy.
Dog Bite Lawyers in Sacramento, CA
I’m Ed Smith, a dog bite attorney in Sacramento. Anyone can be attacked by an aggressive dog. If you or a member of your family has been seriously injured in a dog bite incident, you may be able to seek compensation through a bodily injury claim to cover your damages. Some people hurt by dog bites may not know the full extent of their wounds for several weeks or months. An experienced injury attorney can investigate the facts of your case and advise you of your legal options.
Our Sacramento dog bite injury attorneys at AutoAccident.com are here to help you. We are committed to getting our clients the financial support they need to recover. You can contact us anytime at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
See how we have successfully recovered verdicts and settlements for our clients since 1982.
Photo by Robin Jonathan Deutsch on Unsplash
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