ROSEMEAD, CA — With the ‘dog days of summer’ coming, the Rosemead Post Office warns that dog attacks are a community safety issue, not just a postal problem. While over 6,500 letter carriers were attacked last year nationwide, that number pales in comparison to the 4.5 million Americans bit every year ― 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. 

“With screen-door summer weather here, it is easier for dogs to escape and roam,” said Rosemead Officer-in-Charge Jonathan Phan. “Also, kids are out of school, running in and out of the house, and sometimes forget to securely latch gates and lock doors.”

There were a total of 422 dog attacks on letter carriers in the greater Los Angeles area last year and the Postal Service wants to tell the public that these incidents can be greatly reduced through awareness and responsible pet ownership.

“‘Don’t worry — my dog won’t bite’ is often heard by our letter carriers just before they’re attacked,” said Phan. “Dogs are often cherished members of the family, but any dog can bite. Regardless of how loving and docile a pet may be with their owners, dogs readily react to their instincts.”  

These instincts include protecting their territory and family. This is why many dogs do not like service providers like letter carriers who may come to the door, which they interpret as a threat. Likewise, the instinct to chase and capture prey can be triggered by children running and screaming as they play, which is one of the reasons so many kids are bitten.

Besides actual bites, uncontrolled dogs can knock victims down, resulting in fractures and other blunt force trauma injuries.

The problem is costly too. Dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2014, costing in excess of $530 million, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Dog attacks and roaming animals may also impact residents’ mail delivery. Letter carriers are instructed to stop delivery and leave the area if a dog is loose, interrupting service to the entire neighborhood.

The Postal Service is not anti-dog, but is pro-responsibility. Working with animal behavior experts, the Postal Service has developed tips for practicing responsible pet ownership and avoiding dog attacks:

Be a Responsible Dog Owner

• When letter carriers and others not familiar with your dog come to your home, keep your dog restrained.
• If you have to 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 the door to that room.
• Do not take mail directly from your letter carrier in front of your dog. In protecting their territory, dogs may interpret this 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 and bite.
• Dogs that receive little attention or handling frequently turn into biters.
• Make sure your children know the responsible pet owner rules and keep doors and gates closed.

Avoiding an Attack

• 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 prey.
• 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.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.  

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