USPS has released a public service video to promote dog bite prevention and awareness.
Approximately 4.6 million people were bitten by dogs last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among these victims, more than 6,700 were postal employees.
The video provides safety tips for pet owners to protect letter carriers and themselves when deliveries are made to a customer’s home.
Tips include:
• If a letter carrier delivers mail to the front door, place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door.
• Restrain your dog with a leash to establish a safe, secure distance from your letter carrier when receiving mail.
• When children are at home, remind them not to take mail directly from the letter carrier. Your dog could view this gesture as threatening.
The video is part of the Postal Service’s efforts to promote National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which concludes April 15.
The video is also available on YouTube.