MEMPHIS, TN – Local residents may soon notice a paw print on their mailbox. But these prints weren’t left by a canine. They are part of a new Postal Service program aimed at preventing dog attacks on letter carriers.

Beginning June 10, 2020, the Memphis Post Office will implement the PAWS Program. As part of this dog bite prevention effort, a dog paw sticker will be placed on the outside of a mailbox where there is a known dog in the immediate area. The sticker will act as a reminder to proceed with caution when the carrier approaches the area. Customers will also receive a card explaining the program.

To kick-off the Memphis PAWS Program, the Bartlett Police Department K-9 Unit will provide a demonstration and provide information for letter carriers to avoid dog attacks. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at the Hollywood Station, 1283 Tunica Street, Memphis 38108.

Memphis was #21 in country for dog attacks in 2019 with 24 dog attacks/dog bites.

The Postal Service continually works to find creative ways to reduce dog bites, which remain a serious concern for our carriers. Dog bite prevention efforts add an additional level of safety awareness for USPS employees, our customers, and other public service organizations.

Dog bite prevention is especially important if the carrier delivers a package to the door of a residence. A yellow sticker indicates a dog resides at the next delivery address. An orange sticker means a dog resides at that address.

If a customer objects to having a paw sticker placed on their mailbox, he or she can call the Tennessee Consumer Affairs Office at 615-872-5642, to request it be removed.

In addition to reducing the incidents of dog bites and attacks, The PAWS Program may help dog owners avoid liability in the event of an attack.

The Postal Service wants every delivery to be a safe one.

The Tennessee District serves ZIP Codes 370-374, 376-385 in Tennessee and 307 in northern Georgia.

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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