FLORIDA – According to data from the United States Postal Service, Florida ranked eighth nationally in dog bite incidents on mail carriers in 2024.
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USPS said incidents involving dog attacks on workers rose to more than 6,000 last year.
As part of the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, the organization is offering crucial information on how dog owners can help ensure safe mail delivery.
The campaign begins June 1 with the theme “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track.”
“The best way to keep safe from dog attacks is to recognize and promote the responsibility of pet ownership, such as teaching your dog appropriate behavior and commands and not allowing your dog to roam freely. All dogs — regardless of breed, size or age — have the potential to bite,” Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager said. “Dog bite attacks on postal employees are preventable. The most important message for our customers to remember during the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign is keep your dog secured and away from the carrier as the mail is being delivered. Help ensure the safety of everyone in our communities.”
Officials said dogs can act without warning on their instinct to protect their owners and their owners’ property. They could also feel startled, anxious or unwell.
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USPS said owners should secure their dog before the carrier approaches the property to help prevent attacks.
When a postal employee is hurt in a dog attack, it can cost the owner thousands of dollars because they could be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs, and pain and suffering for the employee.
Mail carriers are also trained to be alert and protect themselves from potentially dangerous conditions and to respect a dog’s territory.
According to data from USPS, Florida ranks eighth in the nation in dog bite incidents, with 210 last year.
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