Protecting Postal Employees: Preventing Dog Bites

Every year, postal service workers encounter a widespread safety issue during their mail delivery duties: dog bites. In the year 2022, over 5,300 postal employees in the United States were victims of dog attacks. In response to this concerning trend, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has initiated its annual National Dog Bite Awareness Week public service campaign. Taking place from June 4 to June 10, this campaign has a twofold objective: raising awareness about the issue and educating dog owners on responsible pet ownership to ensure the safe delivery of mail.

Good Dog, Bad Day

Recognizing that even good dogs can have bad days, the USPS emphasizes the importance of proactive measures by dog owners to prevent dog attacks. The organization underscores that every dog, regardless of its perceived temperament, has the potential to bite. Therefore, dog owners play a critical role in responsibly controlling their pets to guarantee the secure delivery of mail.

In order to ensure the safety of mail delivery, the USPS offers vital recommendations for dog owners. It is advised to keep dogs indoors, behind a fence, or on a leash when the letter carrier is approaching. These measures effectively reduce the chances of any potentially hazardous interactions. Furthermore, it is important to remind children not to directly take mail from the carrier, as dogs might view the carrier as a threat to the child’s safety.

Potential Solutions

The USPS recommends making use of their complimentary service called Informed Delivery, which enables customers to digitally preview their incoming mail and packages. By enrolling in this service, dog owners can anticipate the arrival of their letter carrier, allowing them to take the necessary steps to secure their dogs prior to mail delivery.

Letter carriers receive specialized training to handle situations that may involve potentially dangerous dogs. They are instructed to avoid startling dogs, maintain vigilant observation, and never assume that a dog will not bite. In the event of an attack, carriers are trained to protect themselves by utilizing objects like mail satchels as shields and, if needed, employing dog repellent as a deterrent.

Keep Your Community Safe

The prevention of dog bites is entirely within our control. It’s up to dog owners to prioritize the safety of postal workers by effectively managing their pets during mail delivery. The USPS’s National Dog Bite Awareness Week campaign acts as a timely reminder regarding the significance of responsible pet ownership. By spreading the word and actively participating in the #dogbiteawareness hashtag, we can increase awareness and cultivate a safer environment for both mail carriers and dogs alike. Let us join forces to safeguard our mail carriers and ensure that every day is a good day for both them and our beloved canines.

Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers

The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has successfully settled numerous cases for USPS mail carriers. If you’ve been attacked by a dog, contact Richard Serpe to discuss your legal rights during a free consultation at 757-233-0006.