WEST VIRGINIA – In 2023, more than 5,800 Postal Service employees were attacked by dogs while delivering the mail. In West Virginia, there were 27 dog bites or dog attacks.

The Postal Service will present special programs aimed at increasing dog bite awareness across the state during the week of Aug. 19-23. Renowned professional dog trainer Hector Hernandez will demonstrate his "Preparing Yourself for Dog Encounters and Attacks" training philosophy using his dog, Chankla, and volunteer letter carriers. Hernandez will be joined by local USPS management and District Safety Manager Alan Lewis.

Event information:

The Postal Service offers crucial information on how dog owners can be good stewards for safe mail delivery and ensure the safety of our employees. 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. 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.

According to the most recent information available from the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite is $64,555. When a postal employee suffers an injury, the owner could be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs, and pain and suffering for the employee.

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