Postal Service officials in Indiana have reported that 67 letter carriers have experience dog bites or dog attacks so far in fiscal year 2025, which compares to 53 dog bites or dog attacks during the same period in 2024.
The USPS fiscal year begins Oct. 1. With deliveries every day, including Sundays and holidays, carriers experience dog bites in urban, suburban and rural settings.
Dog attacks and bites are 100 percent preventable when dog owners remain vigilant and properly restrain their dogs. To ensure mail carriers’ safety, dog owners must securely lock their dog in another room until a delivery exchange is done. If outside, dogs must be leashed at a sufficient distance from the mailbox.
As a last resort to resolve ongoing issues with unrestrained dogs, mail service could be interrupted, not only for the dog owner, but for the entire neighborhood. When mail service is interrupted, mail must be picked up at the post office. Service would not be restored until the dog is properly restrained.
With the help of the community, USPS can keep its carriers, community neighbors and the community’s dogs safe. The Postal Service appreciates the public’s assistance in protecting our mail carriers as we deliver packages and correspondence each day.
