WARREN, MI – 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 public service campaign. This year’s theme is “Even good dogs have bad days.”

“When our letter carriers deliver mail to our customers in Warren, dogs that are not secured or leashed can become a nemesis and unpredictable and attack,” said Postmaster Carol Mehall, Warren Post Office. “Help us deliver your mail safely by keeping your dog secure and out of the way before your carrier arrives.”

Mail carriers know all dogs can bite, even those perceived as nonaggressive. 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.

How to Be a Responsible Dog Owner

• Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dog in any situation.

• When a letter carrier comes to the home, keep dogs:
• Inside the house or behind a fence.
• Away from the door.
• In another room.
• On a leash.

• Dogs can be protective of their territory and may interpret the actions of letter carriers as a threat. Take precautions when accepting mail in the presence of your pet.

• Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied-up for long periods frequently turn into biters.

Sometimes when a carrier feels unsafe, mail service could be halted as a last resort — not only for the dog owner, but for the entire neighborhood. When mail service is stopped, mail must be picked up at the Post Office. Service will not be restored until the aggressive dog is properly restrained.

“Our employees care about the service we give our customers,” said Mehall. “Thank you for helping our carriers stay safe.”

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