Memphis Among Top Cities for Dog Bites
The U.S. Postal Service recently launched its annual National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign. Unfortunately, dog attacks are on the rise. Last year, dog attacks on postal workers increased to more than 6,000 cases.
In 2024, Los Angeles recorded 77 dog attacks on postal workers, which is the highest number of any city in the United States. Rounding out the top 3 cities were Houston with 65 incidents, followed by Chicago, which ranked third with 57.
A Tennessee city was among the top 20 cities for dog bites. Memphis tied with Phoenix, Arizona for 13th place, with both cities recording 25 dog bites against postal workers.
Nationwide, California was the state with the most dog bites, with 701 incidents. In second place was Texas, which didn’t even come close with 438 bites. Ohio rounded out the top 3 states with 350 dog attacks.
The U.S. Postal Service’s campaign runs throughout June. This year’s campaign is called “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track.” The goal is to encourage pet owners to take responsibility for keeping dogs properly restrained during mail delivery.
It’s important to remember that all dogs have the potential to bite, regardless of their size, age, or breed. The best way to keep safe from dog attacks is to promote the responsibility of pet ownership.
Think you dog won’t ever bite anyone? Never say never. The USPS says many attacks occur unexpectedly, even from dogs that have no history of aggression. Mail carriers are trained to stay vigilant in neighborhoods where dogs are present. They follow safety protocols, such as never startling a dog. They also know how to use items like mail satchels to create a barrier if threatened.
The postal service advises customers to secure their dogs in a separate area away from the door during mail delivery. Pet owners should also avoid opening the door while the carrier is present. Children should never retrieve mail in front of their family dog.
There’s no doubt that dog bites can cause severe physical harm. Dog attacks on USPS workers can result in expenses for dog owners, such as medical bills, lost wages, and uniform replacement costs.
If a mail carrier feels unsafe, they do have options. They can request that mail delivery to the residence be suspended until the dog is properly secured. Residents would then need to go to their local post office to retrieve their mail. In some cases, the USPS may require owners of dangerous dogs to rent a P.O. box in order to resume mail service.
The USPS urges pet owners to do their part to keep postal workers safe. Keeping their dog locked up ensures the safety of everyone in the community.
Contact Us Today
Dogs often attack postal workers, putting them in harm’s way on a daily basis. These attacks can cause painful or even deadly bites.
Bitten by a dog? See how a Mt. Juliet dog bite lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can assist you. We have extensive experience assisting victims to hold negligent pet owners accountable. Let’s discuss your legal options today. Schedule a consultation by calling (615) 622-6060 or filling out the online form.
Source:
wkrn.com/news/national/tennessee-city-among-top-20-cities-for-dog-attacks-on-postal-workers-data-shows/
