The U.S. Postal Service® continues its tradition of calling attention to one of the nation’s most commonly reported public health problems: dog attacks and bites. From nips and bites to actual attacks, violent dog behavior continues to pose a serious threat to our employees.
To emphasize the enormity of this issue, we are now reporting total attacks and dog bites as one number. Last year, nearly 5,600 Postal Service™ employees were victimized by dogs.
Sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service, National Dog Bite Prevention Week is a public service campaign that offers safety tips and emphasizes the need for increased owner responsibility in the prevention of dog attacks.
This year’s National Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 19–25. The tools available in this kit, and additional tools now electronically posted, will guide you in promoting awareness of this public health concern in an effort to reduce dog attacks and bites in your community.
Please take full advantage of our field communications professionals listed in this kit when promoting this initiative.
Stay Alert: Don’t Be Fooled by “My Dog Won’t Bite!”
Fiscal Year 2011 Top 25 Dog Attack Rankings
Ranking
|
City
|
Attacks
|
1
|
Los Angeles, CA
|
83
|
2
|
San Diego, CA
|
68
|
3
|
Houston, TX
|
47
|
4
|
Cleveland, OH
|
44
|
6
|
Dallas, TX
|
41
|
6
|
San Antonio, TX
|
39
|
7
|
Phoenix, AZ
|
36
|
8
|
Denver, CO, and Sacramento, CA
|
35 each
|
9
|
Minneapolis, MN, and St. Louis, MO
|
32 each
|
10
|
Louisville, KY
|
31
|
11
|
Chicago, IL, and Philadelphia, PA
|
30 each
|
12
|
Seattle, WA
|
28
|
13
|
Brooklyn, NY, and Portland, OR
|
27 each
|
14
|
Baltimore, MD, and San Francisco, CA
|
26 each
|
15
|
Dayton, OH, and Detroit, MI
|
25 each
|
16
|
Cincinnati, OH; Oakland, CA; and
San Jose, CA
|
24 each
|
17
|
Ft. Worth, TX
|
23
|
18
|
Buffalo, NY and Miami, FL
|
22
|
19
|
Indianapolis, IN
|
21
|
20
|
El Paso, TX and Memphis, TN
|
20 each
|
21
|
Oklahoma City, OK
|
19
|
22
|
Kansas City, MO; Las Vegas, NV; Long Beach, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; Richmond, VA; and Tacoma, WA
|
18 each
|
23
|
Jamaica, NY; Milwaukee, WI; and Washington, DC
|
17 each
|
24
|
Charlotte, NC, and Orlando, FL
|
16 each
|
25
|
Baton Rouge, LA, and Rochester, NY
|
15 each
|
Dog Bite Prevention Background and Tips
The Victims
n More than 4.5 million people bitten annually.
n Children are the majority of victims and are 900 times more likely to be bitten than letter carriers.
n The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 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.
n 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.
n Many attacks reported by letter carriers in 2011 came from dogs whose owners used those famous last words, “my dog won’t bite.”
n According to the AVMA, as many as 800,000 people annually are admitted to U.S. emergency departments with dog bite–associated injuries, and countless more bites go unreported and untreated.
How to Avoid Being Bitten
n Don’t run past a dog. The dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch you.
n If a dog threatens you, don’t scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, and then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
n Don’t approach a strange dog, especially one that’s tethered or confined.
n 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.
n 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
n Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dog in any situation.
n When the letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room, or on a leash.
n Dogs can be protective of their territory and may interpret the actions of letter carriers as a threat. Please take precautions when accepting mail in the presence of your pet.
n Spay or neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite. Humane Society of the United States (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.
n 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
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 nearly 5,600 letter carriers were bitten by dogs. 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 a 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 Office™ 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 Service 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 nearly 5,600 letter carriers bitten by dogs in 2011 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 Announcement
May 19–25 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week
Below, are three public service announcements (PSAs) for your consideration. Spring is here, more people and dogs will be on the street, and this is the perfect time to participate in an education campaign aimed at reducing these painful and costly attacks.
For decades, the U.S. Postal Service® has taken a leadership role in preventing animal attacks because letter carriers are 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 and Tips sheet attached. [Attach Dog Bite Prevention Background and Tips sheet.]
Please join the Postal Service™ in this important public education campaign by using these public service announcements 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, nearly 5,600 letter carriers were bitten by dogs. But that pales in comparison to the more than 4.5 million people — most of them children and the elderly — who are bitten by dogs each year. You can help protect your letter carrier, meter reader, newspaper delivery person, and neighbors’ children by making sure your pet is properly restrained. Be a responsible pet owner. Help prevent the injuries and deaths caused by animal attacks. This message is a public service of this station and your local Post Office™.
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 were victimized by nearly 5,600 dog attacks 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 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, nearly 5,600 letter carriers were attacked while delivering the mail. Help your letter carrier deliver safely for you. This message is a public service of this station and your local Post Office.
# # #
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 attacks. You can use the following talk and the enclosed handout to alert schoolchildren to two important points in preventing dog attacks: Responsible pet ownership and safe behavior around dogs.
Sponsoring a poster contest gets children involved in spreading the word about preventing dog attacks. Colorful posters that result from the contest are a great way to get the word out to the public.
Due to budget constraints, the 2012 dog bite prevention poster was not printed. Postmasters should e-mail mark.r.saunders@usps.gov to obtain a link to the high-resolution image for local printing. Postmasters are asked to only display a color image of the 2012 dog bite prevention poster on their community bulletin board, located in their PO Box™ lobby, from May 19 to 25. The poster must be removed from the bulletin board by May 26, but may be displayed in the employee area through August 31. Postmasters who do not have color printers are asked to have color posters printed at their district offices. It’s important that only color posters are displayed.
Get postmasters and station managers to hang posters or to display them on bulletin boards or at 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. The suggestions in this section will get you started toward some cooperative campaigning for dog bite awareness.
Sample Postmaster Columns
Using the following sample postmaster columns will help you spread the word about the Postal Service’s efforts to protect letter carriers and children in the community. The message is that dog attacks are a serious matter, and by helping protect letter carriers, the public is protecting everyone.
Place 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 on your information boards.
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 Attacks,” By [Name], Postmaster [City]
For every letter carrier bitten, hundreds of children needlessly suffer the pain and trauma of dog attacks. Whatever the reasons, dog attacks are a serious problem for the entire community, and not just our letter carriers, who were victimized by nearly 5,600 dog attacks last year. That’s an average of 11 dog attacks every delivery day, and that figure does not include the number of threatening incidents that did not result in injury. However, these numbers pale in comparison with the more than 4.5 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.
[Insert a letter carrier story here, if applicable.]
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 Service employees have sued and collected damages for dog attack 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 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 Attack?
# # #
Postmaster Column No. 2
“Why Do Some Dogs Attack?” By [Name], Postmaster [City]
Would your dog attack? The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that more than 4.5 million dog bites are reported to local authorities each year. Countless more go unreported.
Dog attacks can range from a relatively painless nip to a fatal mauling. Dog attack 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/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 Do Some Dogs Attack?
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.
Although dogs may attack 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.
Three Suggestions to Help Take the Bite Out of Your Dog:
n Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don’t play aggressive games with your dog such as wrestling, tug of war, or siccing your dog on another person. It’s essential that your dog recognize members of your family as dominant figures not to be challenged.
n 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.
n 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 home. 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 Service and in the community. Next week: “Protecting the Community.”
# # #
Postmaster Column No. 3
“Protecting the Community,” By [Name], Postmaster [City]
Last year, nearly 5,600 letter carriers were bitten 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.
The most recent statistics from the 2007 U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook states that there are 72,114,000 dogs in the United States; 43,021,000 households own dogs in the U.S., and that equates to 37.2 percent of households.
Clearly, parents must never leave a defenseless infant with a dog and must make sure that older children know the potential danger of dog attacks. 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.
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 Service and in the community.
# # #
Postmaster Speech
Dog Attack 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 home or have friends who own a dog? [Listen to responses.] Have you or any of your friends ever been attacked by a dog? [Listen to responses, and if so, add comment: “Well, I’ll bet you didn’t like it, did you?”]
At the Post Office where I work, the people who deliver your mail get attacked, 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 attacked, and I don’t want any of you to get attacked, either. That’s why I’m here today, because I need your help.
First, I want all of you to be safe. Do you know how many people get attacked by dogs every year? [Children guess.] I heard some good guesses. The correct answer is 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year and guess what? The number one victim is children. That means you! More than 2 million children were bitten — and that’s not good.
In fact, the attacks usually come from the family pet or from a dog owned by a nearby neighbor. Can you believe it?
There are several things you can do to help out. Be nice to your dog and to all dogs. Don’t tease them. Don’t play too rough with them. Instead, teach your dog good manners. A trained dog is a happy dog. Remember to give dogs space when they are eating, sleeping, tired, sick, or caring for puppies. Remember: Dogs get cranky just like people, and they may bite if they are suddenly surprised or hurt. If you see a dog running loose in your neighborhood, tell your parents. Never, ever approach a strange dog.
You can also help your letter carrier, because thousands of letter carriers get attacked every year, too. 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 attacking your letter carrier, your friends, and yourself. I want you to take this list home 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 ensure that everyone’s mail is safely and quickly delivered.
Most importantly, we want you to be safe. So please remember to take care of your dog and use good safety habits even around dogs you know. Don’t be one of those 2 million children who experience the pain of a dog bite.
Thank you.
Information for All Employees
Service Talk
Dog Attack Prevention Tips for Mail Carriers and Children — How You Can Help Prevent Dog Attacks
To help make your neighborhood safe for the carrier, yourself, and other people, just remember these simple rules:
1. Find out what time the carrier usually brings your mail.
2. When the 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 ask for your mail. Your dog may think you are being threatened.
7. If you see a dog running loose in your neighborhood, tell your parents or report it to the proper authorities.
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 here.
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.
Below is a story from a young girl who shares her experience with others:
Kelly Voigt of Palatine, Illinois, tells it better than anyone. In 1999, Kelly, then seven, was bitten by a neighborhood dog. The attack left Kelly 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 disorder 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, and is using her experience to educate other children and adults on how to avoid such brutal attacks.
Part of their program includes the acronym WAIT, which is used to pet a dog on a leash with his owner. WAIT stands for:
W – Wait to see if the dog looks friendly. If the dog looks afraid or angry, STOP and walk away slowly.
A – Ask the owner for permission to pet the dog. If the owner says no, STOP and walk away slowly.
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. If the dog does not come over to sniff you, STOP and do not touch him.
T – Touch the dog gently to pet, and do so away from the head and tail.
The diagram here includes Kelly’s message and safety tips. For additional information on Prevent the Bite and efforts to help others, visit www.preventthebite.org.
[D]
For Postal 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 to alert dog owners to the possible loss of mail delivery if they do not restrain their pets. Additionally, 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 on the website tell customers what we want them to do. The third tells them we have taken corrective steps. The fourth and fifth letters detail the customers’ options. 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.
Samples of these letters can be found at http://safetytoolkit.usps.gov/Resources:
n In the left sidebar, click USPS Safety Programs.
n Click Accident Reduction.
n On the Accident Reduction page, at the bottom, click Best Practices.
n Under “Dog Bite Prevention,” select the appropriate letter.
Nondelivery of Mail Policy
The availability and use of the repellent does not replace the policy of nondelivery of mail where there is animal interference!
Collection and delivery service personnel are to report the name and address of the customer where such interference 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 that (1) no deliveries will be made until this is done, and (2) 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. In spite of the fact that postmasters have frequently requested customers to control their dogs, and have discontinued service to control this problem, injuries still continue.
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 and materials available online, 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. 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.
Dog bites are no laughing matter! We must take action now to reduce these costly and painful injuries. Remember to stay alert! Don’t be fooled by, “My dog won’t bite!”
Area Corporate Communications Managers
Capital Metro
George Maffett
Telephone: 301-548-1465
email: george.t.maffett@usps.gov
Eastern
Paul Smith
Telephone: 215-863-5055
email: paul.f.smith@usps.gov (Eastern Area Office)
Great Lakes
Victor Dubina
Telephone: 216-443-4596
email: victor.dubina@usps.gov
Pacific
Don Smeraldi
Telephone: 858-674-3149
email: don.a.smeraldi@usps.gov
Northeast
Maureen Marion
Telephone: 860-285-7029
email: maureen.p.marion@usps.gov
Southern
Earl Artis
Telephone: 214-819-8704
email: earl.c.artis@usps.gov
Western
Teresa Rudkin
Telephone: 303-313-5130
email: teresa.rudkin@usps.gov
Partner Contacts
The following is a list of contacts. These organizations can help you obtain local support and find animal behavior experts for local events.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Gina Steiner
www.aap.org
www.healthychildren.org (for parents)
Telephone: 847-434-7945
email: gsteiner@aap.org
American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery
Krista Greco
www.microsurg.org
Telephone: 312-456-9579
email: kristagreco@isms.org
American Veterinary Medical Association
Sharon Granskog
www.avma.org/dogbite
Telephone: 847-285-6619
email: sgranskog@avma.org
Insurance Information Institute
Jeanne Salvatore
www.iii.org
Telephone: 212-346-5555
email: jeannes@iii.org
Prevent the Bite
Kathy Voigt
www.preventthebite.org
Telephone: 847-223-5084
email: kathy_ptb@yahoo.com
Congressional State Representative Listing
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
n PS Form 1778, Dog Warning Card.
http://blue.usps.gov/formmgmt/forms/ps1778.pdf
n Publication 129, Safety Talks.
http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub129.pdf
n Safety film, Dogs, They Come in All Sizes.
Contact your manager, training (district) for availability.
n Publication 174, How to Avoid Dogs Bites; Dogs and Dog Repellent.
http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub174.pdf
n Dog training video, Understanding Canine Behavior.
Contact your manager, training (district) for availability.
n MSDS for Back-Off Dog Repellent.
http://safetytoolkit.usps.gov:12/arp_best_practices.aspx
n Using Dog Repellent — Questions and Answers.
http://safetytoolkit.usps.gov:12/arp_best_practices.aspx
— Community Relations,
Corporate Communications, 5-3-12
