Dog attacks against postal employees are on the rise, the U.S. Postal Service reported Thursday.
There were 6,755 incidents in 2016, 200 more than the year before.
“Even good dogs have bad days,” said U.S. Postal Service Safety Director Linda DeCarlo. “Dog bite prevention training and continuing education are important to keep pet owners, pets and those who visit homes — like letter carriers — happy and healthy.”
In Los Angeles, where postal employees suffered 80 attacks — more than any other city in 2016 — DeCarlo discussed safety measures that letter carriers can follow to keep themselves alert to the threat of canine attacks on their delivery routes including the Package Pickup application on usps.com. This application asks customers to notify USPS if there are dogs at their addresses when they schedule package pickups.
“This information is provided to letter carriers on their delivery scanners, which also can send real-time updates if an unleashed dog is reported in a delivery area,” USPS said.
The event kicks off National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which runs Sunday, April 9 through Saturday, April 15.
The Postal Service says it has partnered with American Humane, American Veterinary Medical Association, Insurance Information Institute and State Farm Insurance in an effort to drive “home the message that dog bites are a national issue and education can help prevent dog attacks.”
View the USPS news release to see the rankings breakdown of the 30 cities with the most dog attacks in 2016.
