From the United States Postal Service

They walk the streets of Evansville every day. And while letter carriers deal with many hazards on a typical work day – from inclement weather to safety hazards – there’s nothing more traumatic than when an unsuspecting carrier is attacked by a dog.

Last year, 5,767 letter carriers nationwide were bitten or attacked by dogs. In Evansville, there were 11 attacks in 2014; four attacks in 2013; and so far this year there have been five dog attacks as carriers made their appointed rounds.

While the local numbers may seem to pale in comparison to the overall national figures, any bite is one bite too many, according to acting Postmaster Robert Mark.

“Dog bites continue to be a problem for our letter carriers in local neighborhoods,” said Mack. “Our carriers know the first line of defense when they encounter a vicious dog but sometimes that’s not enough to avoid bites. We need pet owners to be more vigilant when it comes to restraining their pets, especially around the time when mail is delivered.”

The most recent attacked occurred last month on Frisse Avenue when a letter carrier was delivering mail to a box near a fence. Some dogs appeared out of nowhere, with one striking the carrier on the forearm.

In another instance, a carrier was walking his route when a dog jumped off a porch and bit him on the calf.

In February, a carrier was making deliveries on Fickas Road when a pit bull mix managed to get under the carriers mail pouch and grab hold of the carrier’s leg near the ankle. It took both the owner and neighbor to loosen the dogs grip enough to free the carrier.

The Postal Service places the safety of its employees as a top priority. Letter carriers fearing for their safety due to a loose or unrestrained pet may curtail delivery and ask homeowners to pick up their mail at the Post Office until the carrier is assured the pet is restrained. In cases where carriers see the dog roaming, delivery could be curtailed to the neighborhood.

From a dog owner’s perspective, if your dog bites, you can be liable for the victim’s pain, suffering and medical costs.

“Anyone who’s been bitten by a dog knows it’s not a pleasant experience. It can leave physical as well as mental scars,” said Postmaster Mack. “On behalf of the employees of the Postal Service, I am asking for the public’s help in keeping our letter carriers safe.”

Dog Bite Prevention Tips

Open doors and gates, and unrestrained pets are the primary causes that lead to attacks. Here is what we suggest:

  • If a carrier comes to your door, secure your dog in another room before opening it.
  • Don’t ask to retrieve mail directly from the carrier in the presence of your pet.
  • Remind children to close doors and gates.
  • And finally, don’t assume your dog won’t bite just because it hasn’t done so before. A dog’s instinct is to protect.

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