Silke Jasso
Sunday marks the beginning of National Dog Bite Prevention Week.
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Most would consider this a non-calendar worthy event, but Houstonians would be wise to pay attention to this year’s initiative because last year 62 USPS employees were bitten by dogs in Houston — making our city the second most dangerous place to work for the post office in the nation.
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Usually second to none, Los Angeles beat out Houston for the top spot with 18 more postal workers getting bit last year. More than 6,750 dog bites were reported nationwide.
However, with 15 fewer bites than two years ago, attacks are down in Houston, which held the No. 1 spot for USPS employee bites in three of the last seven years.
In a release, USPS Safety Director Linda DeCarlo stated the agency’s dedication to both civillian’s pets’ wellbeing and their employee’s safety. “Even good dogs have bad days. Dog bite prevention training and continuing education are important to keep pet owners, pets and those who visit homes – like letter carriers – happy and healthy,” she said.
USPS also advises families to secure their pets before opening the door for a postal worker.
“Dogs have been known to burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to attack visitors,” the release further provided.
USPS is working to improve bite statistics through their website, which currently allows customers to indicate if they have a dog, as well as alert letter carriers to any reports of unleashed animals in their delivery or pickup areas.
Ruff stuff, y’all. Stay safe out there!
