Letters: A reminder on the Post Office and safety during annual Dog Bite Awareness Campaign
To the Editor:
Did anyone bite you at work today?
On average, nearly 15 mail carriers per day will say, “Yes.”
Here in Boca Grande, we do not have delivery services, but we would like the public to be aware of the various initiatives we undertake to keep our employees safe.
Postal Service officials report that in 2023, over 5,800 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.
To ensure mail carriers’ safety, dog owners must securely lock their dog in another room until a delivery exchange is done. If a dog is outside, the dog must be leashed, away from the mailbox. When a carrier feels unsafe, mail service could be interrupted, not only for the dog owner, but for the entire neighborhood.
When mail service is interrupted, mail must be picked up at the Post Office. Service will not be restored until the dog is properly restrained.
Also, please note that dogs and other animals (except those used to assist persons with disabilities) must not be brought onto Postal Service property for other than official purposes.
With your help, we can keep our carriers, clerks, your neighbors, and your dogs safe.
Thank you for protecting your pet and our staff as we continue to bring packages and other important correspondence to you each and every day.
Melisa Bicker
Postmaster
Boca Grande
