Dog Attacks on Postal Workers Decline in 2017

The number of dog attacks on Postal employees declined last year versus 2016 according to data released by the Postal Service.

There were a total of 6,244 dog attacks in 2017, 500 fewer than in 2016. In 2016, the number increased by 200 over 2015.

“We’re encouraged by the decrease in dog attacks,” said U.S. Postal Service Safety Director Linda DeCarlo in San Diego, where postal employees suffered 46 attacks — the fifth ranked city in 2017. “The totals are still too high, but we’re confident that with continuing education and dog bite prevention training, along with advancing technology, we can keep more people safe and keep attacks trending downward.”

One measure the Postal Service uses to prevent dog attacks is to ask homeowners on the package pickup application if a dog is present at the delivery address. This information is provided to mail carriers on their delivery scanners which send alerts if an unleashed dog is reported in a delivery area.

“The scanners that our carriers use to confirm a customer’s delivery include a feature for them to indicate the presence of a dog at an individual address,” said DeCarlo. “This information is particularly helpful for substitute carriers who fill in for regular carriers on their days off.”

The top 30 cities for dog attacks as provided by the Postal Service are included below.

2017 Dog Attack Rankings by City