It’s a scene straight out of a cartoon or sitcom: the vicious dog chasing after an innocent mail carrier simply trying to do their job. We’ve all seen this depiction in the media, but probably never give it a second thought when it comes to our own pets and mail carriers. The fact is that mail carriers are indeed one of the populations most at risk of receiving a dog bite. They are the third most likely victim of a bite, just behind children and the elderly.
Mail carriers – as wells as delivery drivers, police officers, landscapers and utility workers – put their health and safety on the line daily to do their jobs. Mail men and women must enter onto private property to ensure people receive their mail in a timely fashion. This often means coming into contact with pets of all kinds. A recent study indicated that about half of the households in the United States owned at least one dog in 2012. Mail carriers must use constant vigilance to protect themselves. In fact, many carry repellant to use on particularly ferocious animals. Some even find themselves skipping certain houses known for their dangerous dogs.
Dogs are wonderful pets and can certainly keep you safe and to protect your property, but even the friendliest dogs have bad days or can wrongly interpret a mail carrier’s intentions. keep them leashed or inside when you’re expecting mail delivery. This will keep both your mail carrier and pet happy and safe.
