NY ranks 6th in US for most dog attacks on mail carriers

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY — “Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you” is the motto of the United States Postal Service as it closes Dog Bite Prevention Week.

The USPS says dog attacks on Postal Service employees reached more than 5,800 cases last year nationwide. New York ranked in the top 10 with the most numbers, at sixth, with 296. That’s down from 2022, which had 321. The USPS wants that number to be as close to zero as possible.

“Here’s a dog coming right at us,” said USPS letter carrier Dean Puchalski.

A dog named Sadie decided to go for a walk after Puchalski dropped off some treats for her mother. Luckily, this puppy isn’t the one she’s worried about. Yet he waits for her to move forward.

“There was a dog on the course, which is probably the nastiest, and this person was constantly leaving the dog where I had to avoid the street because I know if I went up there it would attack you and come close of you,” Puchalski said.

Puchalski has been delivering packages and letters for 20 years.

“I actually like it a lot,” Puchalski smiles.

This is despite Puchalski saying he was attacked twice.

“As I was going to deliver, the garage door was open about 3 feet and a big husky came from underneath, and my back was turned and it took a big chunk out of my leg.” , remembers Puchalski.

In the other case, two dogs broke through a glass storm door.

“And a lot of times we can prepare for it, but when it happens this quickly…,” Puchalski said.

They use their bags or dog spray if necessary. Puchalski is not alone in dating. In New York, Buffalo is in the list of 30 places with the most incidents. He ranks 25th with 20 attacks.

“This year in Buffalo we’re already at seven dog bites,” he said.

As summer approaches, Puchalski has a few reminders for homeowners. First, your mailman will probably be going on vacation, which means someone else will be covering the route.

“Mail can arrive at different times of the day, so be prepared for that,” he said.

Additionally, if your kids are in charge while you’re at work, set expectations.

“It’s best if the kids go outside with the dog, keep it on a leash,” Puchalski suggested.

USPS has a sticker system. It alerts carriers of a friend who might be nearby during delivery. An alert system in their scanners and orange cards also serve as reminders.

Puchalski says if you see one of these alerts, it’s nothing against you or your furry friend. This is to keep them safe and ensure that you and your neighbors receive mail.

“We just want to enjoy our work, not miss out on time with our family because of something like this,” Puchalski said.

Sadie said hello a few more times, then took her mother, and even Puchalski, on an adventure to find her.

If you have an invisible fence or are in the process of installing one, please move your mailbox outside of this fence. Chances are your mail delivery will stop until you do so.