Almost 70 Arizona postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2021; USPS asks public to help keep them safe

Haleigh Kochanski, Arizona Republic
·2 min read

The United States Postal Service is spreading awareness to Arizona homeowners this week on ways in which they can prevent dog attacks on mail carriers.

"We just want to let them know that if we come to their door, please restrain their dogs," said Robert McKinley, a city mail carrier and academy instructor who has been with the post office for 23 years.

Dog Bite Awareness Week began on June 5 and will last until June 11.

According to the United States Postal Service, 68 postal employees were attacked by dogs in Arizona last year. More than 5,400 postal employees were attacked by dogs nationwide in 2021.

Robert McKinley, USPS carrier for 23 years, describes the best practices for owners and carriers in how to avoid dog attacks in Phoenix on June 7, 2022.
Robert McKinley, USPS carrier for 23 years, describes the best practices for owners and carriers in how to avoid dog attacks in Phoenix on June 7, 2022.

Of a ranking of 25 cities, Phoenix placed at 14 with a total of 28 dog attacks on mail carriers recorded in 2021. Cleveland, Houston and Kansas City placed in the top three spots, according to USPS.

"Any bite, I feel, is severe. None of us want to get bit, we just want to do our job," said McKinley. "Either wait until we leave before they open the door if they have a dog or restrain the dog."

McKinley said carriers are trained to use their satchels as a buffer between themselves and a dog looking to attack them. They are also advised to carry around dog spray or a blow horn to scare dogs away.

Robert McKinley, USPS carrier for 23 years, describes the best practices for owners and carriers in how to avoid dog attacks in Phoenix on June 7, 2022.
Robert McKinley, USPS carrier for 23 years, describes the best practices for owners and carriers in how to avoid dog attacks in Phoenix on June 7, 2022.

Additionally, USPS provided the following tips for dog owners:

  • Keep your family pet secure. Place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. Some dogs burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to attack visitors.

  • Do not take mail from carriers in the presence of dogs. Children and other family members should be reminded of this too, as the dog may view the person handing mail to a family member as a threatening gesture.

  • Safety of USPS employees is a top priority. If a carrier feels threatened by a dog, or if a dog is loose or unleashed, the owner may be asked to pick up mail at a Post Office until the carrier is assured the pet has been restrained.

  • Sign up for Informed Delivery. Know when parcels are being delivered in advance of the actual delivery and take precautions to keep your carrier safe.

Reach breaking news reporter Haleigh Kochanski at hkochanski@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @HaleighKochans.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: USPS asks public to help keep mail carriers safe from dog attacks