DISTRICT MANAGERS
POSTMASTERS

SUBJECT: Dog Attack and Dog Bite Prevention and Publicity Kit for Postmasters

The Postal ServiceTM calls attention to - and continues its crusade against - one of the nation's most commonly reported public health problems: dog attacks and dog bites. From nips to bites to actual attacks, violent dog behavior continues to pose a serious threat to our employees. Last year, a reported 3,249 employees were victimized by dogs. While this is a slight decline from the previous year, it's a far cry from the 7,000 plus annual dog incidents of the mid-1990s when the Postal Service assertively began promoting National Dog Bite Prevention Week.

This year's National Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 21-27. Using the tools in this prevention and publicity kit for postmasters will let our employees know that their safety is our number one concern. This information is designed to bring awareness to this problem and assist you with controlling and reducing dog bites and attacks.

Attached, you will find the materials you need to help you make the most of Dog Bite Prevention Week in your community - from educating your employees to holding a press conference. We urge you to take full advantage of our field communications professionals in assisting you with this initiative. They look forward to hearing from you.

Patrick R. Donahoe
Deputy Postmaster General and
Chief Operating Officer

Azeezaly S. Jaffer
Vice President
Public Affairs and Communications

Attachments

cc: Vice Presidents, Area Operations
Manager, Capital Metro Operations

PUBLICITY KIT

National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 21-27, 2006

I. Avoid Danger: Close the Door on Dog Bites

Below are recent excerpts from news stories about carriers who experienced being attacked and bitten.

"A postal carrier was bitten on his hands, right arm and leg by a Pit Bull Terrier and Rottweiler while delivering mail. The dogs attacked the carrier from behind. Prior to attacking the carrier, the dogs had charged at a woman, but she avoided injury by climbing on top of a car."

"An elderly man was attacked by two Pit Bulls after trying to save his seven-month-old Jack Russell terrier. The man was mauled by the dogs and suffered multiple bites. The postal carrier was on his route when he heard screaming. He pulled his truck up, swung the door open, making a loud noise that caused the dogs to be distracted, enabling the man to get into his house. The carrier used a spray repellent to detain the dogs until the police arrived. The carrier is credited for saving the man's life."

"Perhaps the masters of dog escape strategies are the mail carriers, who are bitten at the rate of about 3,000 per year. Dudley Bradburn, a Catonsville carrier and Postal Ambassador, has been dodging jaws for about three decades. He is used to using his mail bag as a shield and has no qualms about breaking out the dog repellent. One of the animals he feared most was a grumpy-looking German Shepherd that guarded a porch on his route. He befriended the dog. Then, one day, after Bradburn had delivered the mail and turned to leave, the befriended monster lurched to his feet. `He tore right past me,' Bradburn said. `He attacked another dog that was coming at me, that I never saw. He was trying to protect me, I guess.'"

Today's news reports are filled with stories of children, adults, and even other animals such as these, who have been injured, or even killed, in vicious animal attacks.

Every year, the Postal ServiceTM calls attention to, and continues its crusade against, what continues to be one of the nation's most commonly reported public health problems: dog attacks and dog bites.

National Dog Bite Awareness Week in May is the Postal Service's public awareness campaign. This year's campaign, scheduled for the week of May 21-27, provides an opportunity for all Postal Service leaders to work to remind employees, customers, and community representatives of our joint responsibility to do everything possible to prevent animal attacks. It also offers Safety Tips and emphasizes the need for increased pet owner responsibility in preventing these disturbing attacks.

Contrary to what cartoonists and comedians might think about dogs and the letter carrier, children in the United States are the most frequent victims of dog bites and attacks. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Humane Society of the United States, small children, the elderly, and Postal Service letter carriers - in that order - are the most frequent victims of dog bites and attacks. Children suffer more than 2 million incidents each year.

In fiscal year (FY) 2005, the Postal Service averaged 11 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable dog bites per delivery day. Recent statistics show the annual number of dog attacks exceeds the reported instances of measles, whooping cough, and mumps, combined. In addition, dog bites requiring medical attention in the United States number 500,000 to 800,000 annually. Countless more bites go unreported and untreated. Dog bite victims account for up to 5 percent of emergency room visits.

As we focus on the future of the Postal Service and on delivering value to the American public, we must do so with an ever-increasing resolve to promote the safety and well- being of our employees. Medical expenses, workers' compensation, legal costs, delivery curtailment, carrier replacement, and other costs associated with dog bite accidents result in significant annual costs for the Postal Service. The cost in employee pain and suffering cannot be measured.

In a move to continue the momentum of previously successful public safety campaigns, we're asking postmasters to work with employees, organizations, local humane societies, animal shelters, and professionals to focus attention on this important safety issue. In addition to the nationwide publicity effort, more needs to be done. The American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org), the American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org), the United States Postal Service (www.usps.com) and Prevent the Bite (www.preventthebite.org) are each working to educate Americans about dog bite prevention.

This publicity and safety prevention kit contains all the tools needed to promote employee awareness, community awareness, and pet owner awareness. The 3,249 Postal Service employees who sustained OSHA recordable injuries in 2005 due to dog bites carry the memory of the incident with them every day. We carry the responsibility to use the tools in this kit to help prevent those costly and painful injuries by reminding our communities that dog bites are no laughing matter.

II. Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005 Total OSHA Recordable Dog Bite Accidents

* Several performance clusters with OSHA recordable dog bites and attacks that were not reported in the 2004 report have been added. These newly added clusters had no OSHA recordable dog bites and attacks in 2004.

Clusters reported in 2004 and not listed here are: Akron, Central Plains, Cleveland, Harrisburg, Kentuckiana, Lancaster, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Massachusetts, Middlesex Central, Oakland, Royal Oak, San Francisco, San Jose, Southeast New Jersey, and Springfield Performance Clusters. These clusters had no OSHA-II recordable dog bites and attacks for FY05 on record at the time of this report.

III. Build Community Awareness Through Media Attention (Television, Radio, and Print)

The media has always been very interested in the Postal Service's National Dog Bite Prevention Week campaign. Members of the media can be your best allies when it comes to communicating the problem of animal attacks and the need for responsible pet ownership. Here are several ways to approach television, radio, and print media to get them to help promote awareness of this important issue.

Part III of this kit includes:

• Two ideas for enjoyable employee events that will be of particular interest to television stations and newspaper photographers, with a news release and media advisory to announce your event.

• An offer to be interviewed, combined with public service announcements (PSAs) to take or send to local radio stations.

• Sample postmaster columns that you can suggest to your local newspaper editor.

These simple strategies for television, radio, and print will help make your media campaign a success.

Employee Event the Media Will Love - a Chorus Line

• Work with your employees to stage a 30-minute event in a public area inside or outside the Post OfficeTM, just before carriers depart for their routes. Ask which employees would be willing to show their scars and tell their stories about encounters with vicious animals. It's their opportunity to help customers, friends, and neighbors protect themselves and their children from similar pain.

• Consider inviting someone from the local animal shelter, humane society, or pet trainers to talk about animal safety and responsible pet ownership. Providing a local animal shelter representative to speak to the community about animal behavior and dog bites gives the "third-party endorsement" reporters use to validate news stories.

• If you are in a smaller community, think about partnering with neighboring postmasters to hold a joint event. You'll have more examples, and you will be able to interest media from surrounding communities.

Planning the Event

• Complete and mail the news release along with the Dog Bite Prevention Background material 2 weeks out, and the media advisory 2 days before and on the morning of your event. You can also use the facts in the release to share brief remarks about the impact of dog bites on the Postal Service.

• Give newspaper editors and television assignment editors a call between 10 A.M. and 11 A.M. a couple of days before the event as a followup to your original news release. You can also send the media advisory as another reminder. Just one note about a typical news day: Editors are usually making assignments in the morning and will be busy in the afternoon as their deadlines approach. Late-morning calls are usually better. Just in case the editor asks for more information, have the news release and media advisory available before you make your telephone calls.

• Ask the editor if he or she would be interested in covering a photo opportunity of letter carriers lining up chorus line style to display their dog bite scars. You can create more interest if you describe dog bites as a community issue and not a Postal Service problem. Tell the editor that small children represent the majority of victims and are estimated to be 900 times more likely to be victimized by dog attacks than letter carriers.

• Be sure to add that this is a good opportunity for the public to learn how to avoid dog bites, and an opportunity for dog owners to learn how to reduce the risk of their dog attacking someone.

On the Day of the Event

• Designate an area in the parking lot for camera crews and have an alternative location in case it rains. Give your remarks, introduce your carriers, and provide a bit of detail on their dog attack experience. Then introduce the local animal shelter representative, who will speak about dog behavior and about dog bites in the community. Just before your letter carriers are ready to leave for their routes, ask them to stand shoulder to shoulder and hold out their legs and/or arms to display dog bite scars. You can even add music. At this point you'll probably see camera crews and photographers move in for close-up shots.

• After a couple of minutes, when the activity starts to slow down, inform the media that the letter carriers are available to talk about dog bites and how to avoid them. But remind them they have only a few minutes, as the carriers must leave to deliver the mail. If reporters ask to follow a letter carrier on the route, be sure to select someone who will represent your office well.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [Insert Your Name]
[Insert Date] [Insert Your Phone Number]
Internet: www.usps.com

News Release
A Different Kind of Chorus Line

[Your City] - A different kind of chorus line will be staged in a rather unusual setting on [Date] promptly at [Time]. It's all part of the Postal Service's annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week program. To help their customers - especially the youngest ones - Postal ServiceTM letter carriers at the [Name of Office] at [Address of Office] are kicking up their heels and waving their arms to show the community the importance of preventing animal attacks.

While the country has become increasingly focused in the past year on the tragic injuries and deaths resulting from dog attacks, the Postal Service has been at the forefront of this issue for decades.

At one time experiencing as many as 7,000 dog bite injuries to its letter carriers in a year, the Postal Service partnered with the Humane Society of the United States and other interested parties to teach people how to avoid dog attacks and how to protect themselves if an attack occurs. In recent years, a strong emphasis has also been placed on educating the public about responsible pet ownership.

Between September 2004 and September 2005, the Postal Service recorded 3,249 OSHA dog bite-related injuries to letter carriers. While that number is disturbing, the most frequent victims of dog attacks are children. American children suffer an average of two million dog bite injuries every year.

"That's why our letter carriers have agreed to start `dancing in the street' to show the community their scars, share their stories and help their customers avoid the kind of pain they have already suffered," said Postmaster [Postmaster's Name].

In addition to the letter carrier chorus line [List any other officials who will participate in the event. For example, a safety or animal expert who can talk about how to avoid attacks and what to do if one occurs]. [Attach Dog Bite Prevention Background.]

# # #

Dog Bite Prevention Background

The Victims

• More than 4.7 million people attacked annually.

• Children are the majority of victims and are 900 times more likely to be bitten than letter carriers.

• The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) report that small children, the elderly, and letter carriers, in that order, are the most frequent victims. Dog attacks are the most commonly reported childhood public health problem in the United States.

• The AVMA also reports that the number of dog attacks exceeds the reported instances of measles, whooping cough, and mumps, combined. Dog bite victims account for up to 5 percent of emergency room visits.

• Many of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recordable bites that were reported by 3,249 letter carriers in 2005 came from dogs whose owners use those famous last words "my dog won't bite."

• According to the AVMA, approximately 500,000 to 800,000 people are admitted to U.S. emergency departments annually with dog bite-associated injuries, and countless more bites go unreported and untreated.

How to Avoid Being Bitten

• Don't run past a dog. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch prey.

• If a dog threatens you, don't scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.

• Don't approach a strange dog, especially one that's tethered or confined.

• While letter carriers are discouraged from petting animals, people who choose to pet dogs should always let a dog see and sniff them before petting the animal.

• If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.

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 your , keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room, or on a leash.

• Don't let your child take mail from the letter carrier in the presence of your dog. Your dog's instinct is to protect the family.

• Spay or neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite. HSUS statistics reflect that dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are up to three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident than neutered or spayed dogs.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [Insert Your Name]
[Insert Date] [Insert Your Phone Number]
Internet: www.usps.com

Media Advisory
Letter Carriers at [City Name] Post Office Set Up a Very Special Chorus Line
for a Very Special Reason

WHAT: Letter carriers of the [Name] Post OfficeTM will line up chorus line style and display their dog bite scars to promote dog bite prevention. Postmaster [Name] and [Name] of [Any Other Participating Health or Animal Protection Agency] will speak about the problem of dog bites to the Postal ServiceTM and the community.

Media can also obtain tips on how to avoid dog bites and learn what dog owners can do to reduce the chances that their pet will injure someone.

WHEN: [Date and Time. Preferably no earlier than 10:00 A.M., or just before letter carriers depart for their routes.]

WHERE: [Post Office Location]

BACKGROUND: The figure of 3,249 letter carriers bitten by dogs last year pales in comparison to the more than 2 million children who were needlessly victimized by dogs. The owners of many of the canines involved in those attacks believed their pet would never bite. This year, the Postal Service and its letter carriers are working to prevent these painful, sometimes fatal, injuries by promoting community awareness and responsible pet ownership.

CONTACT: [Name], postmaster at [Telephone].

# # #

Employee Event the Media Will Love - a Picnic and a Parade

• This is an opportunity to achieve two objectives. You can organize a Postal Service employee family event and at the same time make the community aware of the serious issue of dog attacks. Ask which employees would be willing to participate in a planning committee and then divide the tasks among them.

• The event would start with a short parade, providing you have secured a permit, to the prearranged picnic site. Letter carriers and their families would parade through a residential neighborhood to bring attention to the issue of dog bite prevention. Signs with brief dog bite statistics and facts about prevention are a nice addition.

• Invite letter carriers who have previously been injured by dogs to lead the parade. By walking with their families, they put a human face on the statistic of 3,249 letter carriers injured by dog bites last year. They can tell their stories, and perhaps show their scars, to help others avoid the kind of pain they have suffered.

• Consider inviting someone from a local animal shelter to talk about animal safety and responsible pet ownership. In smaller communities, consider partnering with neighboring postmasters to hold a joint event. You'll have more examples, and you will be able to interest media in the surrounding communities.

• Be mindful in selecting your parade route and picnic site. While it makes sense to use this opportunity to bring attention to problem areas of your community, do not create a parade route that you know to be unsafe. Also check with city officials to obtain any necessary parade permits.

Planning the Event

• Complete and mail the news release 2 weeks before your event. You can also use the facts in the release to share brief remarks about the impact of dog bites on the Postal Service.

• Give newspaper editors and television assignment editors a call between 10 A.M. and 11 A.M. a couple of days before the event as a followup to your original news release. You can also send the media advisory as another reminder. Just one note about a typical news day: Editors are typically making assignments in the morning and will be busy in the afternoon as their deadlines approach. Late morning calls are usually better. Just in case the editor asks for more information, have the news release and media advisory available before you make your telephone calls. Timing your parade to begin on a Saturday around 10 A.M. will give you the best chance for media coverage.

• Ask the editor if he or she would be interested in covering a parade of Postal Service employees and their families who are taking the message of dog bite prevention to the streets of their community. You can create more interest if you describe dog bites as a community issue and not a Postal Service problem. Tell the editor that small children represent the majority of victims and are estimated to be 900 times more likely to be victimized by dog attacks than letter carriers.

• Be sure to add that this is a good opportunity for the public to learn how to avoid dog bites and an opportunity for dog owners to learn how to reduce the risk of their dog attacking someone. Make sure the news editor knows that letter carriers who have been bitten by dogs will be available to talk with reporters and explain how the event affected them and their families.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [Insert Your Name]
[Insert Date] [Insert Your Phone Number]
Internet: www.usps.com

News Release
[City Name] Post Office and [Local Animal Shelter] Lead the Parade
for Dog Bite Prevention

[City] - They walk the streets of [City] every day, and Saturday, [Date] at [Time], [Your City] letter carriers are bringing friends and family along with them to deliver a very special message. The message they will deliver has received a lot of media attention lately, but it is one that letter carriers have been concerned about for decades. It is the need for the entire community to work together to avoid the cost and pain of dog bites.

Last year more than 3,249 letter carriers in the nation suffered the pain of an OSHA recordable dog bite. But that number pales in comparison to the more than 2 million children who received dog bite injuries in a single year.

"That's why we're coming out on Saturday to deliver this important message," says Postmaster [Postmaster Name]. "Several of our letter carriers know first-hand about both the prevention and the pain of animal attacks, and we want to do whatever we can to help educate the community - especially parents and pet owners."

Letter carriers who are on the job, having recovered from animal attacks, will lead the parade and are available to talk about their experience. [Name of Health Care or Animal Protection Official] will join letter carriers along their route to talk about dog bite prevention and responsible pet ownership. A sample of some important facts that officials can share is attached. [Attach Dog Bite Prevention Background.]

The parade route will be [Describe the parade's route so reporters can catch up with you if they miss the beginning of the parade].

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [Insert Your Name]
[Insert Date] [Insert Your Phone Number]
Internet: www.usps.com

Media Advisory
[City Name] Post Office and [Local Animal Shelter] Deliver a Very Special
Message This [Day]

ATTENTION: News Editors

WHAT: Letter carriers of the [Name] Post OfficeTM will be joined by their friends, family, children, and even some of their pets as they deliver a very important message to the community. [The appearance of a well-trained dog owned by one of your letter carriers will help dispel the myth that Postal employees don't like dogs.] Postmaster [Name] and [Name] of the [Local Health or Animal Protection Agency] will speak about the problem of dog bites to the Postal ServiceTM and the community as they travel a parade route through the [Name] community.

Letter carriers, who will lead the parade, have recovered from animal attacks and will share their stories in order to help others avoid the pain they have gone through.

Media can also obtain tips on how to avoid dog bites and learn what dog owners can do to reduce aggressive pet behavior.

WHEN: Saturday, [Date and Time, preferably no earlier than 10:00 A.M.].

WHERE: The parade will begin at [Describe Parade Route] and end at [Picnic Location].

BACKGROUND: The figure of 3,249 letter carriers bitten by dogs in 2005 pales in comparison to the more than 2 million children who were needlessly victimized by dogs. The owners of many of the canines claimed their pet "would never bite" or even "wouldn't hurt a fly." This year, the Postal Service and its letter carriers work to prevent these painful, sometimes fatal, injuries by promoting community awareness and responsible pet ownership.

CONTACT: Postmaster [Postmaster Name] at [Phone].

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [Insert Your Name]
[Insert Date] [Insert Your Phone Number]
Internet: www.usps.com

Public Service Announcements
May 21-27 Is National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Below you will find three public service announcements (PSAs) for your consideration. Spring is here, more people and dogs will be on the street, this is the perfect time to participate in an education campaign aimed at reducing these painful and costly attacks.

For decades, the Postal ServiceTM has taken a leadership role in preventing animal attacks even though letter carriers are members of the third most likely group to be bitten by a dog. Children and the elderly rank number one and two, respectively. More information is found on the Dog Bite Prevention Background sheet attached. [Attach Dog Bite Prevention Background.]

Please join the Postal Service in this important public education campaign by using these public service announcements (PSAs) and by interviewing Postal Service, animal protection and public health officials during National Dog Bite Prevention Week.

PSA 1

It's that time of year again, and the Postal Service, health care providers and animal protection professionals need your help. Last year, nationwide, 3,249 letter carriers were victimized by dog bites. But that pales in comparison to the more than 4.7 million people - most of them children and the elderly - who are bitten. You can help protect your letter carrier, meter reader, newspaper delivery person or your neighbors' children by making sure your pet is properly restrained. Be a responsible pet owner. Help prevent the injuries and death caused by animal attacks. This message is a public service announcement of this station and your local Post OfficeTM.

PSA 2

At this point in our nation's history, even the comedians know that "dog bites man" is no laughing matter. That's why the nation's letter carriers, who suffered more than 3,249 dog bite injuries last year, are reminding pet owners to restrain their dogs to protect letter carriers, meter readers, children and others who may come near their dogs. This message is a public service announcement of this station and your local Post Office.

PSA 3

Pet owners, did you know that if your dog attacks a letter carrier, you could be held liable for all medical expenses and other costs, which can run into thousands of dollars? Don't think your fence is the only protection you need - especially if a letter carrier or delivery person must enter your yard. The Postal Service is not anti-dog, but pro-responsibility. Responsible pet ownership includes making sure your pet is properly restrained. Last year, more than 3,249 letter carriers were victimized by dog bites. Help your letter carrier deliver safely for you. Don't let your pet bite the hand that serves you. This message is a public service announcement of this station and your local Post Office.

# # #

Sample Postmaster Columns

Using these columns will help you spread the word about the Postal Service's efforts to protect letter carriers and children in the community.

Retype these columns on your letterhead and take or send them to your local newspapers. It's a good idea to localize the articles with experiences from your own Post Office or community. Contact local newspaper editors to propose running the column weekly for 3 weeks. You should also post copies of these columns in your lobby and employee break room.

Although the material is designed specifically for use during the spring, you also can use it to build community awareness throughout the summer months.

Postmaster Column No. 1
"Children Suffer Most Dog Bites," by [Name], Postmaster [City]

For every letter carrier bitten, 900 children needlessly suffer the pain and trauma of dog bites. Whatever the reasons, dog bites are a serious problem for the entire community, not just our letter carriers. Three thousand two hundred and forty nine carriers suffered dog bites last year. That's an average of 11 dog attacks every delivery day, and that figure does not include the number of threats. These numbers pale in comparison with the more than 4.7 million people - mostly children and the elderly - who suffer injuries from dog attacks each year.

In [City] last year, dogs bit [Number] letter carriers and interfered with a significant number of mail deliveries [or you can estimate a number if possible]. Fortunately, most dog bites can be prevented through responsible pet ownership.

[If you did have dog bites last year, use the previous paragraph and insert a paragraph or two here giving a few details, such as the seriousness of the incidents and the amount of lost time.]

[If you had no dog bites or no cases of dogs interfering with mail delivery last year, omit the previous paragraph.]

If a letter carrier needs to deliver a certified letter or a package to you, put your dog into a separate room before opening your front door. Dogs have been known to burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to get at strangers.

Summit Hill, PA, Letter Carrier Mary Sloboda opened a screen door and put a package that was too large to fit into the mailbox inside a customer's house. She shut the door, but a 105-pound mixed-breed dog ran into it. The door opened, and the dog attacked Sloboda outside biting her right elbow, arm, head and buttocks.

"I was walking away from the house, and it just nailed me," Sloboda said. "It ripped at my bag and then it bit my arm when I reached for my spray."

[Feel free to substitute this example with a local one if it is appropriate.]

Nationally, the number of carriers bitten by dogs has declined over the years. This is because of greater cooperation from dog owners, stricter leash laws and stepped-up efforts to educate letter carriers and the public about dealing with the problem.

Our letter carriers are vigilant and dedicated, but we may be forced to stop mail delivery at an address if a letter carrier is threatened by a vicious dog. In some instances, Postal ServiceTM employees have sued and collected damages for dog bite injuries. We can't control people's dogs; only dog owners can do that.

While some attribute attacks on letter carriers to dogs' inbred aversion to uniforms, experts say the psychology actually runs much deeper Every day that a letter carrier comes into a dog's territory, the dog barks and the letter carrier leaves. Day after day the dog sees this action repeated. After a week or two, the dog appears to feel invincible against intruders. Once the dog gets loose, there's a good chance it will attack.

Dog owners should remind their children about the need to keep the family dog secured. We also recommend parents ask their children not to take mail directly from letter carriers. A dog may see handing mail to a child as a threatening gesture.

These simple reminders and helpful tips can reduce the hazard of dog bite attacks. Help us to help you this spring and summer.

This is the first in a series of three columns by [City] Postmaster [Name] addressing the problem of dog attacks, both in the Postal Service and in the community. Next week: "Why Do Some Dogs Bite?"

# # #

Postmaster Column No. 2
"Why Do Some Dogs Bite?" by [Name], Postmaster [City]

Would your dog bite? The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that more than 4.7 million dog bites are reported to local authorities each year. Countless more go unreported.

Dog bites can range from a relatively painless nip to a fatal mauling. dog bite victims account for up to 5 percent of all hospital emergency room visits. Children are most often the victims. Dog attacks are the most commonly reported childhood public health problem in the United States.

You may feel confident that your dog won't add to these statistics, and it is probably true that your trusty companion will never seriously harm anyone. However, if your dog does attack or bite someone, you could be liable for the victim's pain, suffering and medical expenses. Potential victims include your letter and rural carrier and neighborhood children. There are several ways you can avoid liability. Reducing the likelihood your dog will ever bite someone helps protect you, your canine companion and everyone else in the community.

Why Some Dogs Bite

Although dogs may bite for a variety of reasons, spaying or neutering has been shown to reduce aggressiveness. Bite statistics show that dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are up to three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident.

Lack of socialization, improper training, excitement and fear can all contribute to a dog attack. Even a nip on the leg is unacceptable behavior for a family dog.

Three Suggestions to Help Take the Bite Out of Your Dog

• Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don't play aggressive games with your dog such as wrestling, tug of war or enticing your dog on another person. It's essential that your dog recognize members of your family as dominant figures not to be challenged.

• Be a responsible pet owner. For everyone's safety, don't allow your dog to roam. Make your pet a member of your family. Dogs that spend too much time tethered to a dog house or in the back yard have a much greater chance of developing aggressive behavioral problems.

• Stay on the safe side. Help your dog become accustomed to a variety of situations. If you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If you think your dog could panic in a crowd, leave him or her at . If your dog may overreact to visitors or delivery people, keep him or her in another room.

This is the second in a series of three columns by [City] Postmaster [Name] addressing the problem of dog attacks, both in the Postal ServiceTM and in the community. Next week: "Protecting the Community."

# # #

Postmaster Column No. 3
"Protecting the Community," by [Name], Postmaster [City]

Last year, dog bites resulted in 3,249 OSHA recordable injuries to letter carriers nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 2 percent of the American population is bitten by a dog each year, and most of the victims are children.

Clearly, parents must never leave a defenseless infant with a dog and must make sure that older children know the potential danger of dog bites. It is also important to know that studies have shown that dogs are three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident if they have not been spayed or neutered.

To learn more about the importance of neutering or spaying your pets, visit the American Partnership for Pets (APP) at: www.americanpartnershipforpets.org. The APP is an unprecedented coalition of more than 25 leading and influential animal health and welfare organizations, community animal care and control services and veterinarians.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has found that the breed of animal most commonly involved in dog attacks can change from year to year and from one part of the country to another, depending on the popularity of the breed. According to the HSUS, while some breeds are more likely to bite, other factors like whether the animal has been spayed or neutered, and whether the animal has been properly socialized, safely confined, properly supervised and humanely trained play great roles in a dog's tendency to bite. Dog owners can prevent serious injuries to others by realizing their important role in dog bite prevention.

This concludes a series of three columns by [City] Postmaster [Name] addressing the problem of dog attacks, both in the Postal ServiceTM and in the community.

# # #

IV. Community Involvement

• Most people think children and dogs go together naturally, and they often do. But, it may shock you to learn that children are the most common victims of dog bites. You can use the following talk and the enclosed handout to alert schoolchildren to two important points in preventing dog bites: responsible pet ownership and safe behavior around dogs.

• Sponsoring a poster contest gets children involved in spreading the word about preventing dog bites. And the colorful posters that result are a great way to get the word out to the public.

• Get postmasters and station managers to hang posters or display in local high traffic grocery stores.

• The postmaster is one of the key leaders in each community. Postmasters should use their influence to win support from other key leaders for our campaign to reduce dog attacks and dog bites. The suggestions in this section will get you started toward some cooperative campaigning for dog bite awareness.

Postmaster Speech - Dog Bite Prevention Speech for School Children

[Make the presentation light and fun. Even though this is a serious subject, children will respond to your being friendly and approachable. Be sure to tell the children what a postmaster is/does.]

Good morning boys and girls.

My name is [Name] and I'm your postmaster.

[Tell the children what a postmaster is/does.]

How many of you have dogs at or have friends who own a dog? [Listen to responses.] Have you or any of your friends ever been bitten by a dog? [Listen to responses.] Well, I'll bet you didn't like it, did you?

At the Post OfficeTM where I work, the people who deliver your mail get bitten, too. Sometimes they have to go to the hospital and can't do their job for a long time. The dog's owner may have to pay a big hospital bill. And, the mail may not be delivered to that house until the owners promise to keep the dog fenced in.

I don't want anybody at work to be bitten, and I don't want any of you to get bitten, either. That's why I'm here today, because I need your help.

There are several things you can do to help out. The most important thing is to stop your dog from getting outside and running loose. When you go outside, make sure to close the door tight, and when you are playing with your dog in the yard, make sure you close the gate so he does not get out.

When you see the letter carrier coming down your street, look around and make sure your dog is either inside or securely fenced away from the mailbox.

When the letter carrier gets to your house, let him or her put the mail in your mailbox. Never reach out to take the mail yourself, because, your dog might think the letter carrier is a threat to you even though we know that isn't true.

After the letter carrier has delivered the mail and gone, you still need to watch out for loose dogs. Never step too close to a strange dog. Even if he looks friendly, he might still bite.

I am going to give each of you a list of things you can do to help keep dogs from biting your letter carrier, your friends, and yourself. I want you to take this list and talk to your parents about it. See if they will help you keep your dog from getting outside.

If you do that, your letter carrier won't have to worry about going to the hospital for a dog bite, and we can deliver everyone's mail - safely and quickly.

Dog Bite Prevention Tips for Mail Carriers and Kids - How You Can Help Prevent Dog Bites

To help make your neighborhood safe for the letter carrier, yourself, and other people just remember these simple rules:

1. Find out what time the letter carrier usually brings your mail.

2. When the letter carrier is due to visit your house, check to be sure your dog is inside. Keep the dog inside until the letter carrier is gone.

3. If someone needs to open the door to sign for a letter, first put the dog in another room and close the door.

4. If you have a mail slot, keep your dog away from the slot so the carrier's fingers don't get bitten.

5. If your mailbox is inside your fenced yard, and your dog is too, keep the dog on a leash away from the mailbox during the time your letter carrier delivers the mail.

6. When your dog is outside, never walk up to the letter carrier and accept your mail. Your dog may think you are being threatened.

7. If you see a dog running loose in your neighborhood, tell your parents.

8. Never, ever approach a strange dog. Remember, no owner, no petting. Only approach a dog that is on a leash with his owner, and follow the steps of WAIT, as described on the next page.

9. When a strange dog comes near you, be BORING! Stand like a tree, or if you are on the ground, curl up your legs, cup your hands over your ears, and lay still like a rock!

10. Don't go near a dog that is in a car, behind a fence, or tied up - even if you know him.

A young 14-year-old girl from Palatine, Illinois, tells it better than anyone. Kelly Voigt was bitten by a neighborhood dog at the age of seven. The dog attack left Kelly Voigt with approximately 100 stitches in her face and a fear of being outdoors. This brutal attack caused so much pain and suffering that a few months later she was treated by a psychologist for post-traumatic stress syndrome and depression.

This young girl gained national attention after taking advice from her psychologist to use her experience to help others. Kelly started a nonprofit organization called Prevent the Bite, with her mother Kathy, and Nancy Skeffington - a school psychologist and animal-assisted therapist.

Kelly is using her experience to educate other children, and adults, on how to avoid such brutal attacks. Part of the Prevent the Bite program includes the acronym WAIT. The steps of WAIT are only to be used with a dog that is on a leash with his owner. Never approach a dog that is loose.

WAIT stands for:

W - Wait to see if the dog looks friendly.

A - Ask the owner for permission to pet the dog.

I - Invite the dog to come to you to sniff you. Put
your hand to your side with your fingers curled
in. Stand slightly sideways and dip your head
down so you are not looking directly at the dog.

T - Touch the dog gently to pet.

Below are Kelly's message and safety tips. For additional information on Prevent the Bite and their efforts to help others, visit their Web site at: www.preventthebite.org.

General Safety Tips

Always practice WAIT when you want to pet a dog.

Remember: NO owner, NO petting!

Hugs are for people, NOT for dogs.

NO screaming or running around dogs.

NEVER go near a dog that is sleeping, eating, or feeling sick.

Remember: A dog tells you how he feels with his tail, mouth, ears, and body.

Don't go near a dog that is in a car, behind a fence, or tied up - even if you know him.

Good dog owners take their dogs to the vet, train them, and make sure they meet lots of different people.

Remember: Dogs like to chase. If you're on your bike or your skateboard and a dog runs up to you, STOP and put the bike or skateboard between you and the dog.

When a strange dog comes near you, be BORING! Stand like a tree! Lay like a rock!

Safety Tips for Parents

• Before you adopt a dog, make sure you select the proper breed for your environment. (www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/petselection/consider.asp)

• Neutered dogs are far less likely to bite than sexually intact dogs.

• Unchained dogs are less likely to bite than chained dogs.

• Female dogs are less likely to bite than male dogs.

All dog safety information is meant to be regarded as suggestions only. There is no way to guarantee these techniques will prevent injury or death.

PREVENT THE BITE
PO BOX 2101
PALATINE IL 60078-2101

www.preventthebite.org
847-223-5084

©5 Prevent the Bite. AII rights reserved.

Poster Contest

If you plan to sponsor a poster contest for schoolchildren, you will need to furnish some slogans and a set of rules. It's also standard procedure to appoint judges and offer some kind of reward or prize for the winners.

Where young children are involved, it's a good idea to make everybody feel like a winner. In addition to three main prizes (we recommend commemorative stamp sets), try to offer something for participation. Perhaps you could obtain a number of special pictorial postmarks of local interest.

Be sure to furnish the media with information about when the contest will start, what schools are participating, who will judge the contest, and where the entries will be displayed.

Suggested slogans:

• Good neighbors keep good control of their dogs.

• Good fences make good dogs better.

• Mail time is time to take your pooch inside.

• Letter carriers love dogs on a leash.

• A dog on the loose is bad news.

Have the posters judged on originality, clarity of the dog bite message, and quality of the artwork. A panel of judges might consist of an art teacher, a letter carrier, an animal control officer, and a member of the PTA. State that the decision of the judges will be final and list the prizes. If possible, have the grand prize-winning poster reproduced and sent to the schools.

Suggested contest rules:

• The Dog Bite Awareness Poster Contest is open to students in grades 1 through 5 from now until [Month, Day, Year].

• The theme is [Choose Theme].

• Only one entry per student will be accepted.

• Students must design and complete posters without help.

• Entries must be [Choose: e.g., 11" x 17", horizontal or vertical, black and white or color, in any two-dimensional medium (charcoal, water-color, marker, paint, etc.)].

• Posters will not be returned. By entering, a student agrees to give the Postal Service full ownership of the artwork and reproduction rights should it be selected the grand-prize winner.

• Each entry must have an entry form attached to the back. Posters with incomplete forms will not be considered.

• Entries must be submitted by [Date] to be considered for judging.

• Winners will be notified by mail.

Working With Community Leaders

• Seek ideas from other postmasters. When attending various management meetings, seminars, training sessions, or conventions, take time to discuss dog bite prevention and other safety programs with your peers. Many postmasters have come up with some innovative ideas and developed excellent dog bite awareness campaigns.

• Visit area schools to discuss dog bite prevention with students. Many local animal control officials and veterinarians will participate, particularly if they can stage a pet licensing and rabies vaccination effort at the same time.

• Holding a dog bite awareness poster contest for local elementary school students is another way to involve the schools. Arrange to display the entries at the Post Office for a day and invite parents and the media. Give a short talk or provide handout information on dog bite awareness.

• Locate a local dog obedience club and allow it to stage a one-day free dog training session at your Post Office. (An excellent time is after the Post Office closes on Saturday.) Publicize the event and invite the media. (Note: If employees are involved, be aware of Fair Labor Standards Act requirements.)

• Locate a scout troop or similar youth organization and encourage it to make a project of creating public awareness of dog bite dangers. Help the troop publicize its efforts through the local media.

• Contact your local utility companies to participate in some of your events. They are attuned to public service, and they have their own dog bite problems.

V. Information for All Employees

This section offers tools that postmasters can use to help educate employees to do their jobs as safely as possible.

Give the following stand-up talk to your letter carriers. The talk focuses on the seriousness of dog bites, what carriers should do about a problem dog on their route, and what to do if a dog attacks. Also, let letter carriers know that you are supporting them by mailing out progressive warning letters to owners whose dogs are unrestrained. Sample warning letters are included in Part VI, for Postal Service Managers.

The true-or-false quiz "Are You an Unwary Visitor?" can educate letter carriers on proper behavior around dogs and is an interesting way to share important information. A letter carrier who knows the answers to the quiz is less likely to be a dog bite victim. Post the quiz, print it in a newsletter, or distribute it as a handout to your letter carriers and supervisors.

The Postal ServiceTM also offers a dog repellent spray for letter carriers. Publication 174, How to Avoid Dog Bites: Dogs and Dog repellent, describes the spray and its use. Information from that publication is included in this section. Post the information, publish it in a newsletter, or reproduce it as a handout for supervisors and carriers. Tell carriers how to obtain repellent.

Use the basic dog bite prevention rules for letter carriers on page 20 as a reinforcing stand-up talk or a posting.

Postmaster Stand-up Talk - Safety Talk for Letter Carriers and Rural Carriers

It won't be long until school lets out for the summer and children begin to spend their days outside playing.

We all know that means taking extra care to watch out for children playing around our vehicles, but it also is the time of year to be on the lookout for loose dogs. Many of these pets have been in the house or confined to the backyard all winter and manage to get out when children leave a door or gate open.

Last year, approximately 4.7 million people suffered dog bites in the United States, including 3,249 letter carriers - an average of 11 per delivery day.

[Share some examples of injured letter carriers that are found in this guide or examples from your own Post Office.]

Loose dogs are a serious problem for everyone. As letter carriers, you are not only doing yourself a favor, you are helping everyone in the community by getting these animals off the street. Letter carriers are the third most frequent victims of dog attacks; children and the elderly rank first and second, respectively.

One tool we have in controlling the dog problem is a policy of withholding delivery where dogs are a threat. Report all incidents to the postmaster or the carrier supervisor, who will decide what action needs to be taken. If a phone call to the customer doesn't take care of the situation, we have a series of progressive warning letters that could ultimately lead to the suspension of mail service to the customer's .

Be Safe Around Dogs

Always make sure that you have at least one full can of dog repellent spray with you at all times. If a dog attacks, use your spray as a means of defense along with your satchel. Consider carrying a second can of spray as a backup.

Dogs are protectors of their masters and their property. To them, you are an intruder. You must prepare yourself for a new challenge each day from every dog you meet.

Here are several things you can do to avoid dog bites:

• Observe the area. Take a quick glance at all the places a dog may be - under parked cars, under hedges, on the porch, etc.

• Size up the situation. Determine if the dog is asleep, barking, growling, nonchalant, large, small, etc.

• Avoid signs of fear. A dog is more apt to bite you if it knows you are afraid.

• Don't startle a dog. If it is asleep, make some kind of nonstartling noise, such as soft whistling. Do this before you are close to the dog, while you still have time and space for an "out."

• Never assume a dog won't bite. You may encounter a certain dog for days or weeks without incident; then one day, it might decide to bite you.

• Keep your eyes on the dog. A dog is more likely to bite when you're not looking. Always be alert for a sneak dog attack.

• Talk friendly, call the dog's name if you know it, but never attempt to pet or feed it.

• Stand your ground. If a dog comes toward you, turn and face it. Hold your satchel in front of you and back slowly away, while making sure you don't stumble and fall. NEVER TURN AND RUN!

• If a dog attacks, use your repellent and satchel to protect yourself.

• The threat of animal attacks is real. We all watch the news and know the potential for serious injury. Be concerned for your safety, for your family, and for the children and elderly in our community. Be vigilant!

Nondelivery of Mail Policy

The availability and use of the repellent does NOT replace the policy of nondelivery of mail when there is a dog menace!

Collection and delivery Postal Service personnel are to report the name and address of the customer where the menace occurs to the postmaster or authorized supervisor, who must immediately telephone the customer and request that the animal be confined during the usual delivery hours in the neighborhood. The postmaster, or authorized supervisor, must further inform the customer (1) that no deliveries will be made until this is done, and (2) that service will be restored upon assurance that the animal will be confined.

Dog Owner's Responsibility

It is the dog owner's responsibility to control the dog. Most communities have ordinances for the control of dogs. Despite the fact that postmasters have frequently asked customers to control their dogs, and have discontinued service to control this problem, injuries still continue.

True-or-False Quiz: Are You an Unwary Visitor?

Questions

Are you an unwary visitor in what a dog considers its territory? If so, you might be bitten. Take this quiz on handling some typical situations encountered by delivery people. It may help you prevent an injury. Answer true or false.

1. If a dog is sleeping in the side yard, you should quietly slip up to the front door and make your delivery so you don't disturb the dog.

2. Turning away and retreating quickly from a dog will probably prevent an attack.

3. Carrying dog biscuits with you will help you make friends with all the dogs on your route.

4. Many bites occur because the dog is protective of its territory.

5. To ensure that you have your repellent, it's a good idea to secure it to a mail cart or your vehicle dashboard.

6. Dogs attack only if you threaten or challenge them.

7. Dogs always make their intentions known by growling or barking before they attack.

8. A storm or screen door will keep the dog inside, and from attacking you.

9. One way to protect yourself is to spray repellent on all the large dogs on your route, at least once, so that they are afraid to challenge you.

10. Talking softly to a dog, while petting it, will reassure the dog that you mean it no harm, and will reduce your chances of being bitten.

Answers

1. FALSE. Dogs have keen senses. Under these conditions, you would probably startle the dog and increase the possibility of an attack. What is the right procedure? Make a soft noise, such as a low whistle, so that the dog won't be surprised. Keep your eye on the dog, and if you must withdraw, back up slowly and carefully to avoid a fall.

2. FALSE. Turning and running often increases the dog's excitement and provides an opportunity for it to bite while your back is turned. What is the proper procedure? Stand your ground initially; face the dog; use your satchel as a shield; keep your repellent handy; and back away slowly and carefully to avoid a fall.

3. FALSE. Too often the dog will readily accept the treat but still not accept you. What is the proper procedure? Reassure the dog by talking in a friendly manner and using its name if you know it. But, do this from a safe distance.

4. TRUE. Dogs instinctively recognize their owners' premises as territorial boundaries. Before entering a customer's property, quickly assess places that a dog may be hiding and be alert.

5. FALSE. Most attacks occur away from carts and vehicles. The correct procedure is to keep your spray with you and carry it in a location that allows you to use it quickly, if you are attacked.

6. FALSE. Dogs attack under various circumstances. Properly protect yourself by being aware of the presence of even the friendliest dogs.

7. FALSE. Many bites occur without warning. The best way to protect yourself is to stay alert and, if confronted, follow the withdrawal procedures described above.

8. FALSE. Dogs have been known to break through screen and storm doors, and to escape when the owner opens the door to get the mail. On outward opening doors, you might wish to place your foot against the bottom of the door. If the dog is in the room, ask the owner to relocate the dog before opening the door. In any case, be wary of these situations.

9. FALSE. repellent should be used only to prevent an attack. Spraying animals unnecessarily will serve to enrage them (and their owners), and it is a violation of Postal Service regulations.

10. FALSE. Although well-intended, this approach continues to be a source of dog bites. The best safety procedure is not to pet dogs on your route, even if you know them well.

Postmaster Stand-up Talk - Proper Use of Dog Repellent Spray

If a dog attacks, use your dog repellent spray, along with your satchel as a means of defense.

Spray the repellent directly at the eyes, nose, and mouth of the attacking dog by pressing the control button on the top of the container. Direct application of the spray must be made for it to be effective. The range of the spray is up to 10 feet.

After using the repellent, make sure to wash your hands to remove any excess residue of the repellent. Touching your face or eyes can cause irritation. First Aid information is on the repellent can.

Always make sure you have a full can of the spray with you at all times when making deliveries.

The cans should be stored in a cool place when not in use. It is not recommended that you leave the can in the vehicle overnight because temperature changes may affect the can.

For maximum safety and effectiveness, we recommend replacing the repellent after 2 years. The manufacture date is located on the can. The format is month/year or MM/YY.

Using Dog Repellent

Dog repellent is to be used on any dog that attacks, but it does not replace the policy of nondelivery of mail where there is a dog menace. Collection and delivery employees should promptly report to their supervisor the name and address of the customer where such a menace exists. The supervisor must immediately telephone the customer and request that the animal be confined during the usual delivery hours in the neighborhood. The postmaster will inform the customer that no deliveries will be made until this is done. Employees are not to use the repellent where there is a danger of spraying people. Employees who indiscriminately use repellent are subject to appropriate corrective action.

Questions and Answers About Dog Repellent

Why is a repellent necessary?

Each year Postal Service employees sustain more than 3,000 painful dog attacks and bite injuries, resulting in loss of time from work and costly medical treatment.

When should you use the repellent?

Use the repellent only when a dog attacks. Do not use the repellent indiscriminately, especially when there is a danger of spraying children or adults. Indiscriminate use of the repellent will not be tolerated and could result in corrective action, up to and including removal.

How should you use it?

Spray the repellent directly at the eyes, nose, and mouth of the attacking dog by pressing the control on top of the container. Direct application must be made. The effective range is up to 10 feet. Effectiveness against trained attack dogs is not established.

What makes the repellent effective?

The repellent consists of 0.35 percent oleoresin capsicum (extract of cayenne pepper) and 99.65 percent mineral oil propelled by an inert gas contained in an aerosol spray can.

How does the dog react?

Within 10 to 15 minutes, the effect of the repellent will wear off, and the dog will return to normal. The repellent leaves a yellow stain on the dog's hair, which is removable by washing. This coloration helps identify an animal if a check for rabies is necessary.

How does it affect humans?

The repellent produces marked discomfort to the eyes for about 10 minutes, but there are no lasting harmful or damaging effects. People who are inadvertently sprayed with the repellent should avoid rubbing their eyes, face, and other affected areas, and should irrigate the eyes, face, and other affected areas with large amounts of clean water. If it is sprayed on clothing, use commercial spot removers or have the clothes dry cleaned. The repellent itself has a faint, pleasant odor and is mustard yellow in color.

Does it offer any advantages to dog owners?

Yes. Many dog owners have indicated that the possible use of the repellent reduces their worries about their dogs attacking carriers and the resulting consequences.

Does the repellent lose effectiveness with age?

The repellent is effective indefinitely. However, the propellant may deteriorate over time. Also, after long periods of nonuse, the container's nozzle might become clogged with dirt, thereby reducing the effective range of the repellent. To avoid this problem, clear the nozzle opening by inserting the tip of a pin into it, then turn the container upside down and briefly press the nozzle until a white mist is discharged. For maximum safety and effectiveness, it is recommended that the repellent be replaced after 2 years (check expiration date on the can). Cans that have reached their expiration date should be disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Has it been adequately tested?

The repellent has undergone extensive laboratory and field tests. Veterinarians have thoroughly examined it and have stated that it is safe, effective, and a very humane method of controlling animals. A Postal Service field test showed the repellent to have a high degree of effectiveness in controlling attacking animals.

Has it been accepted as safe?

The repellent has been accepted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pesticides Regulation Branch and has been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , and bears registration No. 7754-1. It has been registered in all states requiring such registration. The significance of these registrations is that they identify the product(s) as effective and safe.

Were various humane groups aware that the Postal Service experimented with repellent?

Yes. The American Kennel Club, the American Humane Association, the Popular Dogs Publishing Company, and the Humane Society of the United States were advised and indicated no objection to the use of the product under the conditions indicated.

How should you handle the container after use?

Some residue will remain in the nozzle after use. To expel this residue, simply turn the container upside down and briefly press the nozzle until a white mist is discharged. After using the repellent, make sure to wash your hands to remove any excess residue of the repellent. Touching your face or eyes can cause irritation. First Aid information is on the can.

How should you discard used containers?

Empty cans may be discarded in the regular trash. A large number of cans should be disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations.

How should you handle an inquiry or complaint?

If a customer makes an inquiry or complaint, report it to your postmaster or authorized supervisor.

Job Safety Analysis (Generic)

VI. For Postal Service Managers

Progressive Warning Letters and Thank You Letter

This section offers materials for you to use to help your letter carriers do their jobs more safely. You can use the progressive warning letters in this section to alert dog owners to the possible loss of mail delivery if they do not restrain their pets. And don't forget to send a letter of thanks when they do!

Warning letters, like collection letters, need to be handled tactfully. The first and second sample letters tell customers what we want them to do. The third tells them we have taken corrective steps. The fourth details the

customers' options. The fifth is a thank you letter. In using these letters, keep in mind that our purpose is not to police the neighborhood but to obtain a safe environment in which carriers can do their work. Though most customers will respond to your first polite request, be meticulous in following up if they don't. Otherwise your efforts will not be taken seriously.

Sample Warning Letter No. 1

[Insert Date]
[Insert Name]
[Insert Title]
[Insert Street Address]
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]

Dear Postal Service Customer:

Your letter carrier takes pride in delivering your mail promptly and efficiently. That means being able to approach your mailbox without interference from your pet.

Although your dog may not be known to bite or otherwise be dangerous to people, your carrier has expressed concern about its behavior. I believe you will agree that this concern is understandable since each year thousands of letter carriers are bitten or physically harmed by dogs.

This letter is to inform you that we are concerned your dog may have a propensity to attack and to bite or otherwise injure your letter carrier.

To provide you uninterrupted mail delivery while protecting our letter carriers, the Postal ServiceTM is requesting your assistance. Please confine your dog, either in the house or tethered or fenced outdoors, away from the route your carrier uses to deliver your mail.

We appreciate your cooperation.

Sincerely,

[Sign]

[Insert Postmaster's Name]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]

Sample Warning Letter No. 2 - Electronic Fence

[Insert Date]
[Insert Name]
[Insert Title]
[Insert Street Address]
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]

Dear Postal Service Customer:

We understand that you have installed an electronic fence on your property. We are writing to request that you keep your dog restrained or inside when the mail is delivered. Although the electronic fence may keep your dog from wandering, it does not protect your letter carrier, who must enter the property to deliver the mail.

Letter carriers may assume, when they see no physical fence around a property, that the property is animal-free. This can be a dangerous mistake.

Every year thousands of letter carriers are attacked and injured by dogs - many seriously. Even the kindest of family pets can bite to protect its territory.

So we request that you keep your animal restrained or inside during times when your letter carrier will be delivering the mail. Please help the Postal ServiceTM deliver your mail consistently and safely. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

[Sign]

[Insert Postmaster's Name]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]

Sample Warning Letter No. 3

[Insert Date]
[Insert Name]
[Insert Title]
[Insert Street Address]
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]

Dear Postal Service Customer:

We were unable to deliver your mail recently because your unrestrained dog threatened our letter carrier.

We previously notified you of our concern that your dog might have a propensity to attack and to bite or otherwise injure your letter carrier. That concern was based on prior observations.

We are sorry for any inconvenience the interruption of your mail delivery might have caused. However, I think you can understand that the Postal ServiceTM must protect its employees from potential injury.

If your carrier is threatened by your unrestrained dog again, we must take further action. That action will require you to either arrange to obtain your mail at a Post OfficeTM box or install a mail receptacle at the curb in front of your residence for delivery.

To restore delivery at this time, please pick up your mail at our Post Office, which is located at [Address]. You will be asked to sign a statement assuring us that you will keep your dog restrained during normal delivery hours.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

[Sign]

[Insert Postmaster's Name]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]

Sample Warning Letter No. 4

[Insert Date]
[Insert Name]
[Insert Title]
[Insert Street Address]
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]

Dear Postal Service Customer:

We previously notified you that your dog is considered to be a danger to your letter carrier. Yet, on [Date], our letter carrier was again threatened by your dog. As a result of this incident, I must ask you to choose within the next [Number] days one of the following options for receiving your mail:

• Rent a Post OfficeTM box to receive your mail.

• Install a mail receptacle at the curb in front of your residence.

Until you have informed us of your decision, your mail will be held at [Post Office and Address]. It will be available for pickup during normal business hours, which are [Insert Your Office's Monday-Friday and Saturday Hours]. If you have not picked up your mail within [Number of Days], we will return it to the senders.

If you have any questions concerning this policy, please call [Name] at [Phone Number].

Sincerely,

[Sign]

[Insert Postmaster's Name]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]

Sample Thank You Letter For Customer Compliance

[Insert Date]
[Insert Name]
[Insert Title]
[Insert Street Address]
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]

Dear Postal Service Customer:

Thank you for keeping your dog safely away from the letter carrier's path. Because dog owners like you accept responsibility for their pets, letter carriers and Postal ServiceTM employees as well as other service providers are better able to work in your neighborhood.

On behalf of both your regular letter carrier, [Name], and the substitute carriers who deliver your mail in [His/Her] absence, I appreciate your cooperation.

Sincerely,

[Sign]

[Insert Postmaster's Name]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[Insert City, State, ZIP+4]

VII. Additional Resources

Now that you have read through this publicity kit and made some decisions about what would work best in your area, it is time for action.

In addition to this kit, a number of resources are available to assist you in your effort to educate employees, your customers, and the entire community about the importance of dog bite prevention. If you have media or public relations questions, area Public Affairs and Communications managers can put you in touch with your local communications person. And, while the Humane Society of America is not an official partner during this year's National Dog Bite Prevention Week campaign, it is always willing to help organizations that are promoting safety around animals. Their dog bite prevention Web site, www.nodogbites.org, is an excellent resource for employees and your community.

Although dog bites are declining, we must keep in mind that last year we averaged 11 dog bites per delivery day. When you factor in dog attacks where there was no bite, we averaged 12 dog bites and attacks per delivery day. Dog bites are no laughing matter! We must take action now to reduce these costly and painful injuries. Avoid danger and remember - close the door on dog bites.

Area Public Affairs and Communications Managers

DEBORAH YACKLEY
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
CAPITAL METRO
475 L'ENFANT PLAZA SW RM 10327
WASHINGTON DC 20260-3100
301-548-1465

PAUL SMITH
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
EASTERN AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 40593
PHILADELPHIA PA 19197-0593
215-931-5054

JIM MRUK
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
GREAT LAKES AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
244 KNOLLWOOD DR 4TH FLOOR
BLOOMINGDALE IL 60117-2208
630-539-6565

MONICA HAND
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
NY METRO AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
421 EIGHTH AVE RM 5114
NEW YORK NY 10199-9681
212-330-3167

DEBRA HAWKINS
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
NORTHEAST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
6 GRIFFIN RD N
WINDSOR CT 06006-9876
860-285-7265

EARL C ARTIS JR
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
SOUTHEAST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
225 N HUMPHREY BLVD
MEMPHIS TN 38166-0832
901-747-7544

DARLA STAFFORD
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
SOUTHWEST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
7800 N STEMMONS FREEWAY STE 450
DALLAS TX 75247-4220
214-819-8717

DON SMERALDI
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
PACIFIC AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
7001 S CENTRAL AVE RM 364A
LOS ANGELES CA 90052-9641
323-586-1212

SCOTT BUDNY
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
WESTERN AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
1745 STOUT ST STE 400
DENVER CO 80299-7500
303-313-5125

Partnering Organizations

The following is a list of contacts. These organizations can help you obtain local support and find animal behavior experts for local events.

SHARON CURTIS GRANSKOG
AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HEADQUARTERS
1931 N MEACHAM RD STE 100
SCHAUMBURG IL 60173-4364

Phone: 847-925-8070
Fax: 847-925-1329 FAX
E-mail: sharoncurtisgranskog@avma.com
avmainfo@avma.org

STEPHANIE SHAIN
ISSUES SPECIALIST
HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
2100 L STREET NW
WASHINGTON DC 20037-1598

Phone: 301-258-3121
Fax: 301-258-3081 FAX
E-mail: sshain@hsus.org

BONNIE KOZIAL
DIVISION OF SAFETY AND HEALTH PROMOTION
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
141 NORTHWEST POINT BLVD
ELK GROVE VILLAGE IL 60007-1019

Phone: 847-434-7947
Fax: 847-434-8000
E-mail: bkozial@aap.org

KATHY VOIGHT
PREVENT THE BITE ORGANIZATION
PO BOX 2101
PALATINE IL 60078-2101

Phone: 847-322-4179
E-mail: kathyvoigt@sbcglobal.net
Web site: www.preventthebite.org

Government Relations Contacts

Your Government Relations representatives are here to serve you. They can assist you in contacting and inviting elected officials to participate in your event - please let them know.

Alphabetical State/Representative Listing

Area code and prefix for all extensions is 202-268-XXXX

More Resources

• PS Form 1778, Dog Warning Card

• Publication 129, Safety Talks

• Safety Film: Dogs, They Come in All Sizes
Contact your Postal Employee Development Center (PEDC) for availability.

• Publication 174, How to Avoid Dog Bites; Dogs and Dog repellent

• Dog Training Video: Understanding Canine Behavior
Contact your PEDC for availability.

—Community Relations,
Public Affairs and Communications, 4-27-06