Sponsored by the Postal Service, National Dog Bite Prevention May 19–25, 2013 is a public service campaign that offers safety tips and emphasizes the need for increased pet owner responsibility in the prevention of dog attacks.
Letter carriers are the third most likely group to be bitten by a dog. Children and the elderly rank number one and two, respectively. You can help protect your letter carrier, meter reader, newspaper delivery person, or neighbors’ children by making sure your pet is properly restrained. Here are a few suggestions:
· Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dog in any situation.
· When the letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room, or on a leash.
· 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.
· 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.
The National Dog Bite Prevention Week safety campaign builds awareness concerning animal attacks. Last year, 5,577 postal employees were attacked in more than 1,400 cities. Beyond the needless pain and suffering, medical expenses from dog attacks cost the Postal Service nearly $1.2 million last year.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.