Houston ranks second in the nation for the number of dog attacks on letter carriers, according to the U.S. Postal Service.
More than 5,400 postal employees were subjected to aggressive actions ranging from nips and bites to vicious attacks in 2021, according to the USPS, and Houston letter carriers reported 54 incidents. Only Cleveland, with 58, had more. Dallas ranked No. 6 on the list with 38 attacks, and San Antonio was No. 12 with 30.
Among states, California topped the list with 656 reports. Texas was second with 368.
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Last year, many attacks reported by letter carriers came from dogs whose owners claimed, "My dog won't bite." The postal service reminds dog owners that even friendly dogs will bite, depending on the circumstance. Dogs are territorial and protective of their owners and their property. Defending territory sometimes means attacking — and possibly biting — a letter carrier.
Carriers receive extensive training on dealing with dogs, and many carry dog repellent. They also have a dog alert feature on their handheld scanners to remind them of possible dog hazards, and they use "dog warning" cards as reminders when they sort mail for their routes.
Although postal officials ask customers to control their dogs, dog bites still happen, resulting in injuries to carriers and costly medical expenses for dog owners.
"I was bit by a dog on my leg recently and my mail satchel helped shield me," said Francisco Juarez, a Houston letter carrier. "The sound of a dog barking while on my route puts me on high alert and I try to be ready to protect myself."
When a carrier feels unsafe, mail service could be halted — not just for the dog owner, but for the entire neighborhood. When delivery service is stopped, mail must be picked up at a post office. Service will not be restored until the dog is properly restrained.