What:

The United States Postal Service’s Dog Bite Awareness campaign was highlighted last week, running from June 2, through June 9. But the Los Angeles city Postmaster, Jeremie Six doesn’t plan to stop there. By continuing the conversation, the Los Angeles Postmaster intends on changing the trajectory of dog bites in the city, one dog at a time.

"Ensuring the safety of our USPS letter carriers, from dog bites in Los Angeles, is a top priority. Pet owners must remain vigilant by keeping dogs secured and properly trained to prevent any incidents during mail delivery", said Six.

This year’s theme is “Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you.” The Postal Service would like pet owners and concerned citizens to spread the news of the campaign with the hashtag #dogbiteawareness.

The city of Los Angeles letter carriers experienced the most dog bites of any city in 2023 with 65 dog attacks, attacks which left carriers unable to provide for their families and service USPS customers in the way they deserve.

Nationwide, more than 5,800 postal employees were attacked last year.

When:

Thursday, June 13, 2024, 8:30 a.m.

Where:

Main Office Los Angeles Post Office
7101 S Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Who:

Jeremie Six, Postmaster, Los Angeles
Evelyn Wilborn, Safety Manager, CA 5 (Los Angeles)
Rosalee Reynolds, Safety Ambassador, CA 5 (Los Angeles)

Background:

As part of the USPS 2024 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, the organization is offering crucial information on how dog owners can be good stewards for safe mail delivery and ensure the safety of our employees. Incidents involving dog attacks on Postal Service employees rose to more than 5,800 cases last year.

RSVP:

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

Staying Focused on Delivering

Letter carriers are trained to observe an area where they know dogs may be present and even this may not be enough. They are taught to be alert for potentially dangerous conditions and to respect a dog’s territory.

Letter carriers are trained to:

• Make a non-threatening noise or rattle a fence to alert a dog if entering a yard;
• Never startle a dog;
• Keep their eyes on any dog;
• Never assume a dog will not bite;
• Never attempt to pet or feed a dog; and
• Place their foot against an outward swinging door to prevent a dog from escaping.

If a dog attacks, carriers are also trained to stand their ground and protect their body by placing something between them and the dog — such as a mail satchel — and to use dog repellent, if necessary.

Letter carriers have tools to alert them to dogs on their routes. A dog alert feature on carriers’ handheld scanners can remind them of a possible dog hazard, and dog warning cards must be used during mail sorting to alert carriers to addresses where a dog may interfere with delivery.

Dog Owners Can Help with Safe Mail Delivery

Letter 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.

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