Approximately 5,600 Postal Service employees were victimized nationwide by dogs last year. In 2011, Orlando ranked #24 nationally in dog attacks on carriers. Awareness and community wide involvement are critical to reducing this number.
For decades, the U.S. Postal Service has taken a leadership role in preventing animal attacks because letter carriers are the third most likely group to be bitten by a dog. Children and the elderly rank number one and two, respectively. The Postal Service is not anti-dog, but pro-responsibility and is working to help educate dog owners on “responsible ownership”. Responsible pet ownership includes making sure your pet is properly restrained to protect our letter carriers as well as other service workers, children, and anyone who may come near your dog.
Here are some facts and figures related to dog bites and attacks:
- Dog attacks are the most commonly reported childhood public health problem in the United States.
- The number of dog attacks exceeds the reported instances of measles, whooping cough, and mumps, combined.
- Many of the recordable bites came from dogs whose owners used those famous last words “my dog won’t bite.”
How to avoid being bitten:
- Don’t run past a dog. The dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch prey.
- If a dog threatens you, don’t scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, and then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
- Don’t approach a strange dog, especially one that’s tethered or confined.
- If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.
How to be a responsible dog owner:
- Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dog in any situation.
- When the letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room, or on a leash.
- Don’t let your child take mail from the letter carrier in the presence of your dog. Your dog’s instinct is to protect the family.
- Spay or neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite.
- Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time frequently turn into biters.
Sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service, National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 19-25, is a public service campaign that offers safety tips and emphasizes the need for increased pet owner responsibility in the prevention of dog attacks.









