Beware of the Bite: USPS Kicks Off National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign
With over 5,800 dog bite incidents involving Postal Service employees last year, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is taking a firm stand to promote safety with its 2024 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign. Starting Sunday, June 2, and running through Sunday, June 9, this year's campaign theme, "Don't let your dog bite the hand that serves you," aims to educate dog owners on the importance of preventing dog attacks on mail carriers. Spread the word using the hashtag #dogbiteawareness.
William Carlin
08 Jun 2024 11:29 PM
USPS Barks Back: Over 5,800 Postal Workers Bitten Last Year
While the idea of letter carriers fending off canine encounters may sound like a scene from a cartoon, the reality is far less amusing. USPS Manager of Employee Safety and Health Awareness, Leeann Theriault, emphasizes the need for responsible pet ownership to keep everyone safe during mail delivery.
Top Dog Offenders
In 2023, Los Angeles topped the charts with 65 reported dog attacks, followed by Houston with 56, and Chicago with 48. Not to be outdone, St. Louis and Cleveland rounded out the top five, proving that Midwestern hospitality doesn’t always extend to our furry friends.
Dog Owners: Keep It Safe
Dog owners, it's time to step up your game. Most people know when their mail is delivered, so use that knowledge to secure your pets. Keep dogs inside, behind a fence, away from the door, or on a leash when the mail carrier is approaching. It’s a simple step that can prevent a potentially dangerous interaction.
Using the USPS's free Informed Delivery service can also help dog owners anticipate when their carrier will arrive. With over 52 million users already signed up, it’s a digital age solution to an age-old problem.
The High Cost of a Dog Bite
The financial bite of a dog attack can be just as painful as the physical one. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite is $64,555. That’s a hefty price tag that includes medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs, and pain and suffering for the injured postal worker.
Letter Carrier Safety Tips
Postal workers are well-trained to handle canine confrontations. They’re taught to rattle fences, avoid startling dogs, and always be on the lookout for potential dangers. If an attack occurs, they know how to protect themselves using their mail satchels and, if necessary, dog repellent.
Carriers also have tools to help them stay safe, such as dog alert features on their handheld scanners and dog warning cards during mail sorting.
When Mail Service Gets Suspended
If a carrier feels threatened, mail service can be suspended until the area is deemed safe again. In such cases, dog owners may have to pick up their mail from the local Post Office or rent a P.O. box. It’s an inconvenience that can be avoided with responsible pet management.
Top Dog Bite States
The top ten states for dog bites in 2023 saw California leading with 727 incidents, followed by Texas with 411 and Ohio with 359. Clearly, there's room for improvement in pet safety across the nation.
As the USPS continues its mission to deliver mail safely and efficiently, dog owners are urged to do their part. After all, preventing dog bites isn’t just about keeping postal workers safe; it’s about ensuring a harmonious relationship between humans and their four-legged friends. So, next time your mail carrier is on the way, make sure your pup is on its best behavior—because no one likes to bite the hand that delivers.
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