Do mail carriers get attacked by dogs?
It happens thousands of times a year. A USPS vehicle in a neighborhood in California, which in 2021 topped the list of states for dog attacks on postal workers.
“The Postal Service takes the safety of our employees as seriously as we take our commitment to delivering America's mail. Each year, nearly 6,000 employees are attacked by dogs while on their routes,” said USPS Occupational Safety and Health Senior Director Linda DeCarlo.
More than 5,400 postal employees were attacked by dogs across the nation in 2021, with California leading the way as the state with the most canine-related injuries, according to the U.S. Postal Service.
The owner is responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Therefore, because mail carriers and delivery drivers have a legal right to enter their customers' property, they are entitled to sue for damages resulting from a dog attack.
If a dog attacks, the carrier is trained to stand their ground and protect their body by placing something between them and the dog — such as their mail satchel — and use dog repellent, if necessary. Dogs are loyal and often highly trained protectors of their masters and their masters' property.
Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal staff. Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable. Here are some ideas to help your postman deliver your post in safety: Ensure your dog is out of the way before the postman or postwoman arrives.
Dogs learn very quickly that their barking often makes the intruder go away. This is the case when your dog barks at the mailman. He thinks he is doing his job of protecting his home because when he barks the intruder leaves. If this is the case, you must condition a new behavior when the mailman comes to the door.
Don't yell, and don't respond to your barking dog with attention — they'll see that as a reward. Instead, provide positive reinforcement, whether it's a treat or praise or a favorite toy, when they show the sort of quiet behavior you're looking for.
By filing a personal injury claim against the negligent dog owner, the injured FedEx mail carrier can get compensation for pain and suffering, post-traumatic stress, and other types of trauma. Instead of receiving benefits based on salary, a personal injury claim will be based on the suffering caused by the dog attack.
Data obtained by 9 Investigates uncovered that from January 2019 through June 2022, at least 2,600 mail carriers were attacked nationwide, with at least 170 arrow keys stolen.
Can a mailman not deliver mail because of dog?
If the carrier deems a residence unsafe because of an unrestrained dog, mail delivery service can be interrupted. When service is interrupted at an address or in a neighborhood, all parties involved will have to pick up mail at their local Post Office.
California is a strict liability dog bite state. That means owners are responsible for their dog's actions, even if they bite a delivery driver.