Attacks on South Carolina Mail Carriers on the Rise

But in the seven months of Fiscal Year 2009 so far, a shocking increase in dog bite incidents across the state has occurred. “In an average year, like last year, we’ll see 6-8 cases,” said US Postal Service District Safety Manager Marvin Howard, “but from October 1 to current, we’ve sustained 26. During the month of March alone, we added 10 more. High numbers like these usually happen in larger population centers like Houston or Chicago, not South Carolina.”

Howard, his staff, Postmasters and Postal Managers district-wide are responding to the development by increasing training and awareness for all delivery employees. District Communications Coordinator Harry Spratlin is reaching out to the public through the media to ask for increased awareness of animal control. Even though South Carolina has a leash law, not all counties have animal shelter resources, so Postal employees must rely on dog owners to take action in those areas.

When surprised by a new dog or a loose dog exhibiting aggressive behavior, a carrier has only dog repellant and a mail satchel to use as a shield. Dog owners should remember that carriers are instructed not to exit their vehicles if an uncontrolled dog is roaming the neighborhood, so mail delivery may be curtailed for a day without warning.

After returning to the office, carriers fill out Form 1778, the dog warning card, and an attempt will be made to contact the owner. “Dogs are very affectionate in a family setting,” said Howard, “but by their nature, they are territorial animals who can unpredictably attack an outsider.”

“Owners frequently say their dog has ‘never hurt anyone’,” said Howard, “but the Postal Service is tasked with providing a safe working environment for employees every day, so we can’t wait to see if an uncontrolled dog will attack or not. Dog owners should also be advised, the Postal Service has legal means to recover medical expenses for an injury. Even small breed dogs have the potential to inflict injuries that can threaten a carrier’s career. Our best approach is to issue an appeal to all dog lovers: please, be responsible owners: control your pets.”

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 discouraged from petting animals, people who choose to pet dogs should always let a dog see and sniff them before petting the animal.

Tips for dog owners:

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.
Don't let your child take mail from the letter 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. HSUS 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.
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.