LOUISVILLE, Ky. — USPS letter carriers across the country are worried about an increasing number of dog attacks.
Across the nation, nearly 6,000 dog attacks on postal workers were reported in 2023. Louisville was ranked 14th among the cities with the most dog attacks on postal workers with a total of 28 reported attacks.
On Wednesday, a dog trainer showed examples of what to do and not to do when carriers come in contact with an aggressive dog.
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"It's about owners keeping their dogs contained," trainer Hector Hernandez said. He travels the country teaching people how to handle aggressive dogs.
This time, it was to help the overwhelming number of postal workers who have been in, or know of, dog attacks.
"One time I was bit by a smaller dog and then by a Pitbull," said Scott Saito, a local letter carrier. "I for sure learned new ways to defend myself and learned what to do in the event a big dog attacks, or even a small dog."
Hernandez emphasized the need of owners being in control of their dog.
"Make sure you manage or control your dog because that is the number one thing," he said. "The second thing is if they're looking out the window, cover it with film so they can't see in or out."
If your dog attacks a carrier, it could lead to delivery delays to your house, or the street. Even worse, it could lead to your house being taken off the delivery list.
Hector encouraged owners to be vigilant.
"It's about getting back to your family," he said. "The same way you get to work, is the same way you should leave."
As a reminder, postal workers are not considered trespassers under federal law when they enter your property to deliver the mail or packages. The postal service recommended using its free informed delivery service so you can anticipate when your mail will arrive.