HOUSTON – The Bayou City tops the list of cities with the most postal-carrier dog attacks, according to statistics released Thursday by the United States Postal Service.
The USPS said there were 62 letter-carriers attacked in Houston last year. Nationwide, 5,669 USPS employees were attacked by dogs in more than 1,400 cities.
Beyond the needless pain and suffering, medical expenses from dog bites cost the USPS nearly $1.2 million in 2010 alone.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog attacks accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners’ insurance liability claims paid out last year, costing nearly $413 million.
Rounding out the USPS dog-attack list were Columbus, Ohio and San Diego (tied for the No. 2 spot); Los Angeles; Louisville, Ky.; San Antonio and St Louis (tied for the No. 5 spot); Cleveland and Phoenix (tied for the No. 6 spot); Minneapolis and Portland, Ore. (tied for the No. 7 spot); Denver and Philadelphia (tied for the No. 8 spot); Sacramento, Calif.; and Seattle.
"We often hear two comments relating to the Postal Service, ‘the check’s in the mail,’ and ‘don’t worry, my dog won’t bite’. Given the right circumstances, any dog can bite. Dog attacks are a nationwide issue and not just a postal problem," said Matthew Lopez, Houston Postmaster.
Because of the frequency of dog attacks, the USPS is recognizing National Dog Bite Prevention Week, from May 15-21.
"Working with animal behavior experts, we’ve developed tips to avoid dog attacks, and for dog owners, tips for practicing responsible pet ownership," Lopez said.
To avoid being bitten, experts say not to run past a dog, because their natural instinct is to chase you. If a dog threatens you, avoid eye contact and don’t scream. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves.
Experts encourage dog owners to give their animals obedience training, spay or neuter them and keep them inside – especially when strangers come to the house.
