Postal Carriers Fend Off Canines

A dog bite case involving a postal worker is a serious incident that occurs too frequently in cities like Salt Lake City, Utah and across the U.S. Incidents involving mail couriers can range from moderate to severe and warrant the need of a lawyer. 

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) says that in 2013 dogs bit more than 5,500 postal employees. The problem of canines and postal workers is age old. It has a profound influence on how carriers deliver mail and use a variety of means, including dog repellent spray, to protect themselves from harm. 

Methods of Preventing a Dog Bite

Injuries sustained by postal carriers from canines may result in lost work time, permanent physical or emotional damage and mounting medical bills. In many cases a lawyer can help recover these costs for employees but the problems with canines continue on other routes in Salt Lake City and nationwide. 

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has released several bulletins and informational guides on how postal workers are to protect themselves from a dog bite on their daily routes. Since 2007, in addition to using a bag as a barrier, mail carriers are instructed on the proper use of dog repellent. 

The repellent is to only be used if and when a dog attacks, by spraying directly at the dog’s eyes, nose and mouth. “The repellent consists of 0.35 percent oleoresin capsicum (extract of cayenne pepper) and 99.65 percent mineral oil propelled by an inert gas contained in an aerosol spray can,” says USPS.

Problem Persists Despite Prevention

The NACL says the dog bite problem is deep rooted in how a person or family cares for their pets. Most incidents could be prevented by properly restraining dogs during delivery time because even the most docile animals can attack mail carriers. 

Salt Lake City, Utah ranked 30^th among the top cities in the nation for dog attacks on carriers with 11 incidents reported. Due to the severity of these cases, and to ensure proper representation, employees and owners involved in dog bite cases should contact a lawyer. 

Nicole Donaldson is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.