What:

It’s never too late to teach a dog a new trick. While dogs may not understand social distancing, it is critical they know how to stay sheltered in place as carriers make deliveries to residences and businesses in your neighborhood.

A recent report named Phoenix as one of the nation’s worst for dog attacks with more than 26 attacks last year, three more than the previous year. There were 57 postal employees who were attacked last year in Arizona, two fewer than the previous year. More than 5,800 postal employees were attacked by dogs nationwide in 2020.

To emphasize the seriousness of this issue, USPS is sponsoring Dog Bite Awareness Week, June 12-18.

To tell the story locally, the Phoenix Post Office is inviting media to interview a letter carrier who is also an expert at dog bite prevention training. You’ll learn how USPS trains employees to avoid dog attacks on their routes and how dog owners can keep their pets from attacking letter carriers.

When:

June 16, 2021 at 9:30 A.M.

Where:

Rio Salado Post Office
1441 E Buckeye Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Who:

Phoenix Letter Carrier and dog bite prevention trainer Robert Mckinley

BACKGROUND:

How to prevent a dog incident:

1. Pet owners are asked to wait for the carrier to leave the area before opening the door to get their mail or package. Too many dogs have slipped between an owner’s legs while the door is open and attacking the carrier. Dogs should be restrained and/or kept in another room as mail carriers make personal deliveries.
2. If dogs are outside, make sure they are properly restrained and out of reach of a mail carrier.

2020 Dog Attack Rankings by City

More than 5,800 postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2020. The top 25 rankings are comprised of 47 cities, as some cities reported the same number of attacks:

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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