Key facts
- USPS reported over 5,200 dog attacks on postal workers last year.
- The USPS is launching its annual Dog Bite Awareness campaign in June.
- Pet owners are urged to secure dogs before opening doors and keep them leashed during delivery hours.
- Dog attacks can lead to significant financial consequences for owners.
- Mail service can be temporarily suspended if a carrier feels unsafe.
- Los Angeles recorded the highest number of dog attacks with 70 incidents.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued an urgent warning to Americans regarding dog attacks on mail carriers, reporting that over 5,200 postal workers were attacked by canines in the past year. This warning coincides with the launch of the USPS's annual Dog Bite Awareness campaign throughout June, an initiative designed to decrease dog-related incidents and encourage responsible pet ownership. Leeann Theriault, employee safety and health awareness manager for USPS, emphasized the need for constant vigilance, noting that even normally calm dogs can become unpredictable when feeling threatened or protective. The USPS advises pet owners to secure their dogs before mail delivery, keep them leashed, and avoid direct interaction with carriers while pets are present. The agency also highlighted the potential financial repercussions for owners, including medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, citing the severe injuries sustained by San Antonio letter carrier Fiona Hudson. Hudson recounted a vicious attack where a dog jumped a fence, resulting in a broken bone and severe arm sprain, and emphasized the lasting trauma. The USPS stated that mail service may be temporarily suspended in areas with roaming or aggressive dogs, potentially requiring residents to collect mail at a local post office or rent a P.O. box. Los Angeles reported the highest number of incidents with 70 attacks, followed by Dallas (50), Denver (45), Houston (44), and Chicago (43). The USPS reiterated its commitment to employee safety as a top priority.