HOUSTON, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Postal Service has released its annual dog bite national rankings, with Houston placing second in the country. In 2023, there were 56 reported dog attacks on Postal Service employees in the city, highlighting the ongoing need for increased awareness and preventive measures.
The release of these rankings coincides with the USPS 2024 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, which runs from June 2 to June 9. This year’s theme, “Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you,” aims to educate dog owners on responsible pet ownership and ensure the safety of mail carriers.
“Letter carriers are exposed to potential hazards every day, none more prevalent than a canine encounter. All it takes is one interaction for a letter carrier to possibly suffer an injury,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS Manager, Employee Safety and Health Awareness.
The USPS urges dog owners to secure their pets during mail delivery times to prevent incidents. Suggestions include keeping dogs inside the house or behind a fence, away from the door, or on a leash when the letter carrier approaches. The USPS also recommends using the Informed Delivery service to anticipate the arrival of mail.
Dog bite incidents not only pose a safety risk but also have financial consequences. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite is $64,555. Dog owners can be held liable for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs, and pain and suffering for the affected postal worker.
The USPS provides training for letter carriers to handle potential dog encounters, including using their mail satchel as a shield and employing dog repellent if necessary. In cases where mail carriers feel unsafe, mail delivery can be suspended until the risk is mitigated.
The top three cities in the 2023 dog bite rankings are Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago, with 65, 56, and 48 reported cases, respectively. Texas also ranks second in the state-by-state dog bite incidents, with 411 cases in 2023.
For more information about the USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign and to view the complete rankings, visit the USPS website.
Top Cities for Dog Bites in 2023:
- Los Angeles, CA – 65
- Houston, TX – 56
- Chicago, IL – 48
Top States for Dog Bites in 2023:
- California – 727
- Texas – 411
- Ohio – 359
The U.S. Postal Service remains committed to ensuring the safety of its employees while delivering mail to over 167 million addresses across the nation.
