The US Postal Service has released national dog bite figures for 2023, and while the number of dog bites among its employees is increasing overall, Los Angeles has seen the most success.
The attention to dog attacks comes as the Postal Service rolls out its annual weeklong national dog bite awareness campaign starting June 2.
The number of incidents involving dog attacks on postal service employees reached 5,800 cases last year. ‘Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you’ is the theme of this year’s awareness campaign.
While postal workers enter courtyards and approach the doorsteps of houses every day, one of the greatest dangers at work is an unfriendly encounter with dogs. They are trained to handle dogs and should never assume that a dog will not bite.
Leeann Theriault, USPS Manager, Employee Safety and Health Awareness, says dog owners can help keep mail delivery safe.
“The U.S. Postal Service consistently encourages responsible pet ownership. The National Dog Bite Campaign is an effort to raise awareness about dog bites to keep our customers, their dogs and letter carriers safe during mail delivery,” said Theriault.
Because most people know what time their mail is usually delivered, the advice is to keep dogs in the house, behind a fence, on a leash or in another room before the couriers arrive.
Pet owners should also remind children not to accept mail directly from a mailbox, as the dog may view the courier as a threat to the child.
Postal service may be discontinued if a carrier does not feel safe. Until the carrier feels safe enough to restart delivery, mail will need to be picked up at the post office.
Top 5 dog bite cities in 2023:
- Los Angeles, 65
- Houston, 56
- Chicago, 48
- Saint Louis, 46
- Cleveland, 44
