National Dog Bite Prevention Week May 18-24

Councilwoman helps take the bite out of mail delivery

CHARLESTON, WV— Dog owners across America are being asked to show their letter carriers some love by making sure their pets are in separate rooms with closed doors before accepting mail from a carrier at their front doors.

That’s one of our key messages as the Postal Service launches National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 18-24.

Charleston City Councilwoman Teresa “Tricky” Reed, Ward 5, will walk with a letter carrier from the Stonewall Station Post Office at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 20 to help draw attention to the ongoing problem of dog bites and attacks.

“Dog bites deeply concern me,” said Reed. “I want to do everything I can to see that mail delivery in my district is not hampered by dog attacks. I know that a lot of pet owners are responsible but I would like to see even more.”

Last year, more than 3,000 city and rural carriers were attacked by dogs across the United States —including 19 city and rural carriers from the Appalachian District. This year, the district has so far reported 11 carriers being victimized by dog attacks.

“Violent dog behavior continues to pose a serious threat to our employees,” said Charleston Acting Postmaster Jon Litton. “Too often our letter carriers encounter unrestrained or stray dogs while on the job. We ask that all dog owners practice responsible pet ownership because one bite is one too many.”

The USPS is offering these tips for avoiding dog bites.

How to Avoid Being Bitten

• Don't run past a dog. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch prey.
• If a dog threatens you, don't scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
• Don't approach a strange dog, especially one that's tethered or confined.
• While letter carriers are prohibited from petting animals, people who choose to pet dogs should always let a dog see and sniff them before petting the animal.
• If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between you and the dog, such as a purse, a backpack or a bicycle.

 How to Be a Responsible Dog Owner

• Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dogs.
• When a carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away from the door in another room.
• Don't let your child take mail from the carrier in the presence of your dog. Your dog's instinct is to protect the family.
• Spay or neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite. Statistics from the Humane Society show that dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are up to three times more likely to bite.
• Dogs that receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time frequently turn into biters.