The US Postal Service (USPS) is promoting dog bite awareness through a month-long campaign, aiming to prevent dog attacks on mail carriers. Last year, over 5,200 dog attacks occurred against USPS employees.

Prevention Tips for Dog Owners

To combat this issue, USPS is providing vital safety guidance for pet owners. Dog owners can take steps to protect mail carriers by keeping their dogs in a separate room during delivery times and ensuring doors are securely closed. Additionally, using a leash when dogs are outdoors during mail delivery can help prevent accidents.

USPS also offers a free Informed Delivery feature, allowing customers to digitally preview incoming mail and packages. This service can help dog owners anticipate when their carrier might arrive, enabling them to take necessary precautions.

Consequences of Dog Attacks

If a dog attacks a postal worker, the dog owner may be liable for thousands of dollars in medical care, lost shifts, and emotional distress. In severe cases, mail service can be temporarily suspended, and residents may need to pick up their mail at the post office.

USPS carriers undergo extensive safety training to spot potential canine hazards. They are instructed to remain vigilant, announce their entry, and maintain visual contact with dogs. If a dog attacks, carriers are trained to stand their ground and use their mail satchel as a protective shield.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.