LOUISVILLE, KY – The city of Louisville was ranked No. 6 nationwide for dog attacks last year after 40 letter carriers were bitten while attempting to deliver mail.

In a perfect world, pet owners could minimize the chance of their dog biting through proper pet training and socialization, having their dogs sprayed or neutered, and removing their dog from an area when visitors, like a letter carrier, come to their home. But since this isn’t a perfect world, the U.S. Postal Service must rely on educating the public with help from other agencies including Louisville Metro Animal Services.

On Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 8:00 a.m., Officer Jessica Farris of Louisville Metro Animal Services, who will be accompanied by a canine companion, will give a safety talk to letter carriers at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Post Office, 2727 West Broadway, by offering tips on how to stay safe when dogs are present.

“Letter carriers are out on the street in an environment where dogs can be a serious threat,” said Louisville Postmaster Joe Meimann. “Teaming up with Metro Animal Services makes perfect sense. Any insight to help our carriers stay safe while delivering mail is certainly welcome.”

There are approximately 78 million dogs in the United States. It’s important for dog owners to remember – no matter how big or small – dogs become territorial when it comes to protecting their turf and will do just about anything, including attack, if they feel threatened.

“We are honored to partner with the U.S. Postal Service to help educate letter carriers as well as the public on pet safety,” said Leslie Hawk, communications specialist for Louisville Metro Animal Services. “It is part of Metro Animal Services’ mission to ensure the humane treatment of animals as well as to protect the public’s health and safety.”

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

Photo Op: Letter carriers will be served hot dogs after the presentation to "bite back!"

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