(NAPSI)\u2014More than 5,400 postal employees were attacked by dogs in the United States in 2021. From nips and bites to vicious attacks, aggressive dog behavior poses a serious threat to postal employees and just about everyone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help people understand the enormity of this serious issue, the U.S. Postal Service provides information on the do\u2019s and don\u2019ts of responsible dog ownership as part of its annual National Dog Bite Awareness Week public service campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The campaign runs Sunday, June 5, through Saturday, June 11 but any time is a good time to consider dog bite prevention. This year\u2019s theme is \u201cThe USPS Delivers for America\u2014Deliver for Us by Restraining Your Dog.\u201d You can help spread the news of the campaign by using the hashtag #dogbiteawareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEvery year, thousands of postal employees are attacked by dogs as they deliver America\u2019s mail. And while it\u2019s a dog\u2019s natural instinct to protect their family and home, we ask all customers to act responsibly by taking safety precautions with their dogs while the mail is being delivered,\u201d said USPS Employee Safety and Health Awareness Manager Leeann Theriault. \u201cWhen a carrier comes to the residence, keep the dog inside the house and away from the door\u2014or behind a fence on a leash\u2014to avoid an attack.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being a Responsible Pet Owner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dog owners with friendly dogs often expect a friendly reaction from other dogs. However, even friendly dogs will bite, depending on the circumstance. Dogs are primarily territorial in nature and protective of their owners and their owners\u2019 property. Defending its territory sometimes means attacking\u2014and possibly biting\u2014the letter carrier. Dog owners are responsible for controlling their dogs. The best way to keep everyone safe from dog bites is to recognize and promote responsible pet ownership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people know the approximate time their letter carrier arrives every day. Securing your dog before the carrier approaches your property will minimize any dog-carrier interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a letter carrier comes to your home, keep dogs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022Inside the house or behind a fence;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022Away from the door or in another room; or<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022On a leash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pet owners also should remind their children not to take mail directly from a letter carrier as the dog may view the carrier as a threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Informed Delivery is a useful tool for dog owners. It\u2019s a free service that provides a digital preview of the mail and packages scheduled to be delivered so you can take precautions and secure your dog when parcels are delivered to the door. You can sign up at informeddelivery.usps.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Postal Service takes the safety of our employees as seriously as we take our commitment to delivering America\u2019s mail,\u201d said USPS Occupational Safety and Health Senior Director Linda DeCarlo. \u201cPlease deliver for us by being responsible pet owners and make sure your dogs are secured when our carrier comes to your mailbox.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Victims<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many attacks reported by letter carriers came from dogs whose owners regularly stated, \u201cMy dog won\u2019t bite.\u201d Dog bites are preventable. One bite is one too many. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Be Attentive<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Letter carriers are trained to observe an area where they know dogs may be present. They are taught to be alert for potentially dangerous conditions and to respect a dog\u2019s territory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Letter carriers are trained to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022Not startle a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022Keep their eyes on the dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022Never assume a dog won\u2019t bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022Make some noise or rattle a fence to alert the dog if entering a yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022Never attempt to pet or feed a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022Place their foot against an outward swinging door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a dog attacks, carriers are also trained to stand their ground and protect their body by placing something between them and the dog\u2014such as their mail satchel\u2014and use dog repellent, if necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though postal officials ask customers to control their dogs, unfortunately dog bites still happen, which may result in injuries to carriers and costly medical expenses for dog owners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, when a carrier feels unsafe, mail service could be halted\u2014not only for the dog owner, but for the entire neighborhood. When mail service is stopped, mail must be picked up at the Post Office. Service will not be restored until the dog is properly restrained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn More<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For further facts, visit\u00a0www.usps.com<\/a>,\u00a0www.facts.usps.com<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0National Dog Bite Awareness Week\u2014What We Do\u2014About.usps.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n