You Can Help Protect Letter Carriers

By Elizabeth McIntyre EAGLE TIMES CORRESPONDENT
CLAREMONT, NH –In 2022, letter carriers were bitten 5,300 times by dogs across the country. Dog bites are a significant occupational hazard in the postal service.

According to the Postal Service, letter carriers are trained to observe an area where they believe dogs may be present, to be alert for potentially dangerous conditions and to respect a dog’s territory. Their training includes: how not to startle a dog, keep their eyes on any dog, make noise or rattle a fence to alert a dog when entering a yard, not to attempt or pet or feed a dog and place their foot against an outward swinging door to prevent a dog from escaping.

If a dog attacks, carriers are trained to stand their ground and protect their body by placing something between them and the dog, such as a mail satchel, and to use dog repellent, if necessary.

It is important for both mail carriers and dog owners to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to prevent dog bites. Responsible dog ownership, proper training and effective communication between letter carriers and customers can help reduce the incidence of dog bites in the postal service industry. This is important for postal customers to receive their mail without interruptions.

“We are fortunate that none of the local Post Office’s in the area are part of the high rankings for dog bites. We are thankful for the responsible pet owners that we do have. Keeping our carriers safe is of high priority,” said Stephen Doherty, a Boston based social media coordinator of the U.S. Postal Service. He offered a piece of helpful advice to postal customers. “Never let your child go to the door to take mail from the carrier if there is a dog that could be threatening to others.”

To help ensure the safety of the carriers, community members can keep dogs inside when mail is being delivered or keep the dogs on a leash if outside.