MEDIA ADVISORY: DOOs with Don'ts for Dog Safety

A Doggie Doo delivers demo Wednesday to letter carriers

WHAT:
Last year, more than 3,100 postal letter carriers were bitten by dogs. Across Upstate New York, more than 110 carriers were bitten and many more experienced encounters that required protective action, such as spray or suspension of delivery.

Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control indicate that 4.7 million Americans were bitten by dogs last year with up to 800,000 requiring medical attention. Children are at highest risk, with small children estimated to be

On Wednesday, Watertown letter carriers will be instructed by Lisa Carl, with A Doggie Doo Pet Care Center and Resort, on recognizing potentially aggressive dog behaviors. These will be live demonstrations with dogs

WHO:
Certified trainer and animal behaviorist Lisa Carl with A Doggie Doo Pet Care Center and Resort, 22252 Route 11
Watertown Postmaster Jeff Sands
Watertown letter carriers and members of that facility’s Safety and Health Committee

WHEN:
Wednesday, July 2 8 am

WHERE:
Watertown Main Post Office 232 Commerce Park Drive

Editor's notes: To attend this event, use the main customer lobby door. Go left to Postmaster’s office. You will be escorted to the Letter Carrier’s unit inside the building. Please follow the guidance of the dog trainers for the use of a flash camera.

Additional Background:

According to Watertown Postmaster Jeff Sands, summer is "absolutely the season to stay serious about dogs. Carriers have some tools to protect themselves and are trained to recognize aggressive dog behavior. But, if threatened, we will stop delivery to the home or the street if need be."

He also adds that the experience of letter carriers is one to be shared with younger family members.

"Kids are not aware of bad dog behaviors due to heat or stress and are estimated to be 900 times more likely to be victimized by dog attacks than letter carriers," Sands said. "By talking about dog bites and ways to stay aware, we hope to prevent injuries to others, particularly our youngest customers."

In Watertown, licensing a dog costs $7.50 for a spayed or neutered dog, and $15.50 for an unaltered animal. City residents who own a dog can get a license at the city clerk's office at Room 101 City Hall, 245 Washington Street.

According to published reports carried in the Watertown Daily Times, there were 1,209 spayed or neutered dogs registered in Watertown in 2007. An additional 272 unaltered animals received license. That article also reported that officials from the Jefferson County Dog Control estimate more than 500 unlicensed dogs in the city as well.

In New York, every dog, regardless of age, owned or visiting New York State for longer than 30 days must be licensed. Limited exemptions include dogs less than four months of age that are not off an owner's premises and for dogs in New York City.

The state’s dog license form may be obtained at local clerk offices, including the Watertown City Clerk, or on line at the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets at www.agmkt.state.ny.us

In addition to the application, owners need certification that a dog has been spayed or neutered, proof of a rabies vaccination and a check for the licensing agent.

Across the United States, Humane Society 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.

The Centers for Disease Control notes that children suffer more than 2 million incidents each year, with the highest rate of bite-related injuries recorded for children ages 5 to 9 years. Dog bite victims represent five percent of all emergency room visits.

Dog repellent — a mix of cayenne pepper and mineral oil -- is authorized for use on any dog that attacks, but it does not replace the policy of non-delivery of mail where there is a dog menace.

Medical expenses, workers' compensation, legal costs, delivery curtailment, carrier replacement, and other costs associated with dog bite incidents are estimated to exceed $25 million annually for the Postal Service.

The Postal Service’s Albany District reaches more than 3.5 million postal customers served by 720 Post Offices in an area that stretches from the Massachusetts and Canadian borders west to Waterloo and south to Binghamton and the Southern Tier. This includes Northern New York and Watertown.