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 Los Angeles as a one of the nation’s worst for dog attacks, with the city of Long Beach rounding out the top five cities in California with 16 dog incidents in 2022. Nationwide, more than 5,300 postal employees were attacked last year.

Also available will be a local animal control services and a USPS Safety official to provide perspective and information.

Who:

Long Beach Letter Carrier, Mr. Poz
Long Beach City Postmaster, Kirt Forsyth
Long Beach Station Manager, Lorenzo Robles
USPS Safety Specialist, Shelle Smith
Long Beach Animal Control Services, David Linn and Megan Ignacio

When:

Friday, June 16, 2023, 8:30 a.m.

Where:

North Carrier Annex
5101 Long Beach Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90805

RSVP with USPS Strategic Communications Specialist, Natashi Garvins at natashi.l.garvins@usps.gov

Background:

More than 5,300 Postal Service employees were attacked by dogs while delivering the mail last year. Aggressive dog behavior is a common safety concern USPS employees face. To keep its workers safe, the organization is providing important information on how dog owners can be good stewards for safe mail delivery as part of its annual National Dog Bite Awareness Week public service campaign.

The campaign runs Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, June 10. This year’s theme is “Even good dogs have bad days.” Spread the news of the campaign with the hashtag #dogbiteawareness.

Pet Owners Can Help Support Safe Mail Delivery

Mail carriers know all dogs can bite, even those perceived as nonaggressive. Dogs are generally protective of their turf and dog owners have an important responsibility to control them to ensure safe mail delivery.

Most people know the approximate time their letter carrier arrives every day. Securing your dog before the carrier approaches your property will minimize any potentially dangerous interactions.

When a letter carrier comes to your home, keep dogs:

• Inside the house or behind a fence;
• Away from the door or in another room; or
• On a leash.

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.

Pet owners also should remind children not to take mail directly from a letter carrier as the dog may view the carrier as a threat to the child.

###