Help prevent dog attacks

The warm summer months mean more outside activity.

It can also mean dogs are outside — and are often unrestrained.

Postal Service officials report that in 2018, 5,714 letter carriers experienced dog bites or dog attacks.

With deliveries every day, including Sundays and holidays, carriers continue to experience dog bites in urban, suburban and rural settings.

Dog attacks and bites are 100 percent preventable when dog owners remain vigilant and properly restrain their dogs. Dog attacks are a nationwide issue and not just a postal problem. In fact, letter carriers are the third most attacked group behind children and seniors. Any dog can bite and all attacks are preventable through responsible pet ownership.

To ensure mail carriers’ safety, the Postal Service — including Winchester Post Office Supervisor Melissa Lockett, NALC Union Steward Steve Windburn and NRLCA Union Steward Delena Newsom — advises dog owners to securely lock their dog in another room until a delivery exchange is done. If outside, dogs must be leashed beyond the reach to the mailbox.

With your help, we can keep our carriers, your neighbors and your dogs safe.

Thank you for protecting your pet and our mail carriers as we continue to bring packages and correspondence to your door each day.

Nathan Gabbard

Postmaster, Clark County