HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — The greater Los Angeles area was the dog bite capital of the nation in 2013, with 309 postal employees attacked by dogs while on duty in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Dog attacks are a national issue, but not just a postal problem. While 5,581 letter carriers were attacked last year, that number pales in comparison to the 4.5 million Americans bitten ― half of whom are children ― according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) Between 12 and 20 people die every year from dog attacks according to the CDC.  

“‘Don’t worry, my dog won’t bite’ is often heard by our letter carriers just before they’re attacked,” said Rick Boroweic, postmaster of Huntington Beach where five carriers have been attacked so far this year. “Given the right circumstances, any dog can bite.” The Postal Service places the safety of its employees as a top priority. Letter carriers fearing for their safety due to an unrestrained pet may stop delivery and ask homeowners to pick up their mail at the Post Office until the situation is remedied. In cases where a dog is roaming, delivery could be interrupted to the entire neighborhood.

Dog bites can also be expensive for pet owners ― who are liable for their pet’s actions ― and their insurance companies. Dog bites account for more than one-third of all homeowners’ insurance liability claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. State Farm Insurance ranked California the top state for dog bite claims in 2013, with 449 claims totaling over $14.7 million.

“Many dogs are cherished members of the family and owners do not believe their dog would harm anyone,” added Boroweic. “But dogs do not reason like their human owners and react to their animal instincts to protect their territory.”  

With summer here, kids are out of school. They can forget to close gates and lock screen doors, letting pets escape. Loose dogs not only provide a problem for your letter carrier, but also for kids outside running and playing, as those normal actions can trigger a “hunt/attack” response in dogs. For every letter carrier attacked, hundreds of children needlessly suffer dog bites.

Working with animal behavior experts, the Postal Service has developed tips for practicing responsible pet ownership and avoiding attacks:

Be a Responsible Dog Owner

• Don’t let your dog roam loose.
• When letter carriers and others who are not familiar with your dog come to your home, keep your dog restrained.
• If you open your door to your letter carrier to sign for an item or receive a package, first put your dog in another room and close that room’s door.
• Don’t take your mail directly from your letter carrier in front of your dog. In protecting their territory, dogs may interpret this normal action as a threat.
• Obedience training can teach a dog to behave properly and help owners control their dogs.
• Spay or neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to roam.
• Dogs that receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time, frequently turn into biters.

Avoiding Attacks

• Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
• Don’t run past a dog. The dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch you.
• Never approach a strange dog, especially one that’s tethered or confined.
• Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
• Anyone wanting to pet a dog should first obtain permission from the owner.
• Always let a dog see and sniff you before petting the animal.
• If a dog threatens you, don’t scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
• 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.
• If you are knocked down by a dog, curl into a ball and protect your face with your hands.

When pets are trained and restrained, everyone benefits. The mail gets delivered and letter carriers can serve their customers safely. There’s also one less hazard for children, and the pain and expense of dog bites can be avoided. And just as important, dogs are allowed to be the loving pets that everyone wants them to be.

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