Florida Ranks in Top 10 for Postal Worker Dog Bites
Letter carriers are important workers. They are the ones who ensure you get your mail every day. However, they encounter dangers that can prevent this from happening. One common issue they face on a daily basis is dog bites.
Many dogs find postal workers to be threats to their owners, causing them to lash out in anger. This is a frustrating situation for postal workers, as just one dog bite can lead to serious injury or even death.
In 2023, there were more than 5,800 dog attacks on USPS employees. Of those, 193 were in Florida, ranking it as #7 on the list. These statistics have led to calls for more awareness in this regard. The United States Postal Service (USPS) runs a campaign every year. For the 2024 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, which ran from June 2 to June 9, the USPS is offering crucial information about how dog owners can do their part to ensure the safety of postal workers. This year’s theme was “Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you.”
Given that letter carriers are exposed to potential hazards every day, the U.S. Postal Service is working hard to reduce these hazards through responsible pet ownership. The national dog bite campaign aims to promote dog bite awareness so that letter carriers, customers, and their dogs can all stay safe as workers deliver the mail.
What Dog Owners Can Do
Even if dog owners don’t think their dogs can bite, letter carriers know the truth. All dogs have the propensity to bite, even if they are perceived as nonaggressive. This is because dogs can be protective of their turf, and as such, dog owners have a responsibility to control them.
Dog owners play an important role in reducing USPS worker injuries due to dog attacks. Generally, homeowners know the approximate time their letter carrier arrives at their home every day. Securing your dog before the letter carrier approaches can help minimize any potentially dangerous interactions.
When a letter carrier comes to the home, dog owners should keep dogs in one of the following places:
- Inside the house
- Behind a fence
- Away from the door
- In another room
- On a leash
Pet owners should never take mail directly from a letter carrier as the dog may view the carrier as a threat.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Dog attacks are a serious threat for postal workers. Dog owners need to do their part to keep workers safe so they can do their job properly and promptly.
Injured in a dog attack? Contact a Bradenton dog bite lawyer from Cahall Law Firm for assistance. We can help you recover much-needed compensation after an injurious dog bite and hold dog owners accountable for the actions of their animals. Fill out the online form today or call (941) 281-2019 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
about.usps.com/newsroom/local-releases/fl/2024/0531-usps-releases-dog-bite-rankings-for-florida.htm
