Dallas ranks third in dog attacks on USPS workers, USPS says

U.S. Postal Service/Facebook

Dallas has a dog attack problem, according to the U.S. Postal Service.

According to data from the USPS, Dallas was third in the country in overall dog attacks on letter carriers with 44 attacks in 2022. Only Houston, with 57, and Los Angeles, with 48, reported more attacks. Overall, Texas ranks second, only behind California, in overall attacks.

In an effort to promote safety, the USPS has launched a campaign running from June 4 to June 10, themed “Even good dogs have bad days.” The initiative is part of the USPS’ annual Dog Bite Awareness Week public service campaign.

“When letter carriers deliver mail in our communities, dogs that are not secured or leashed can become a nemesis and unpredictable and attack,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager in a press release. “Help us deliver your mail safely by keeping your dog secure and out of the way before your carrier arrives.”

To prevent attacks, the USPS recommends keepings dogs inside the house or behind a fence, away from the door or in another room, or on a leash. Additionally, the USPS discourages parents letting their children receive mail, as dogs may see the letter carrier as a threat to the child.

“When our mail carriers are bitten, it is usually a ‘good dog’ that had not previously behaved in a menacing way,” said USPS Occupational Safety and Health Senior Director Linda DeCarlo in a press release. “In 2022, too many aggressive dogs impacted the lives of our employees while delivering the mail. Please help us reduce that number by being a responsible pet owner who secures their dog as we deliver the mail.”

Using Informed Delivery, a free USPS service which keeps customers updated on the delivery status of their mail, can help dog owners prepare for a letter carrier visit, according to the USPS.

If a particular dog contributes to a carrier feeling unsafe, the USPS says mail service may be halted until the animal is brought under control, with neighbors having to pick up mail at their local Post Office in the meantime.