Postal Service says dog bites dropped in WNY, although 2 carriers bit in Albion
Press Release, US Postal Service, Western NY District
The number of postal employees attacked by dogs nationwide was 5,714 in 2018 — 530 fewer than 2017.
Fifty-four of those attacks occurred in western NY, down 31 percent, from 79, in the previous year, the US Postal Service said. Those 54 dog bites included 2 in Albion.
Both Buffalo and Rochester saw significantly fewer dog attacks in 2018. Buffalo dropped from 15 to 12 dog attacks (20 percent reduction) and Rochester from 25 to 13 (50 percent reduction).
Postal officials also note that a new interactive map shows where dog attacks on letter carriers occurred for 2018 will be used to educate communities and customers about trends in dog bites nationwide.
Sponsored by the United States Postal Service, National Dog Bite Prevention Week is a public service campaign that offers safety tips and emphasizes the need for increased owner responsibility in the prevention of dog attacks.
“We are thankful to the dog owners in our communities for assisting our carriers in staying safe in the delivery of the mail,” said Western NY District Manager Jean Lovejoy. “We have seen fewer employees injured nationally and locally, proving that together we can make a difference. We encourage all pet owners to take bite prevention tips to heart.”
From nips and bites to vicious attacks, aggressive dog behavior poses a serious threat to postal employees. To emphasize the enormity of this issue, the Postal Service is reporting the number of dog attacks and bites together as the most prominent threat to carriers.
