To the Editor:

For every letter carrier bitten, hundreds of children needlessly suffer the pain and trauma of dog attacks. Whatever the reasons, dog attacks are a serious problem for the entire community, and not just our letter carriers, who were victimized by 6,755 dog attacks nationally, last year. This number pales in comparison with the more than 4.5 million people, mostly children and the elderly, who suffer injuries from dog attacks each year.

Our letter carriers are vigilant and dedicated, but we may be forced to stop mail delivery at an address if a letter carrier is threatened by a vicious dog. We can’t control people’s dogs; only dog owners can do that. You may feel confident that your dog won’t bite or seriously harm anyone. However, if your dog does attack or bite someone, you could be liable for the victim’s pain, suffering, and medical expenses. In some instances, letter carriers have sued and collected damages for dog attack injuries. Reducing the likelihood your dog will ever bite someone helps protect you, your canine companion, and everyone else in the community.

There are several ways you can avoid liability. Be a responsible pet owner. For everyone’s safety, don’t allow your dog to roam. Make your pet a member of your family. Dogs that spend too much time tethered to a dog house or in the yard have a much greater chance of developing aggressive behavioral problems. Never tether a dog to the front porch near your mailbox. Postal customers are responsible for keeping the path to their mailbox clear, which includes interference from your pet. The City of Streator has a Code of Ordinance, which includes, “No dog shall be leashed in such a manner that could impede or otherwise interfere with the delivery of municipal or other government services to the owner’s property, including without limitation the delivery of mail or reading of meters.”

If a letter carrier needs to deliver a certified letter or a package to you, put your dog into a separate room before opening your door. Dogs have been known to burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to get at strangers. We also recommend parents ask their children not to take mail directly from letter carriers. A dog may see handing mail to a child as a threatening gesture.

These simple reminders and helpful tips can reduce the hazard of dog attacks in our community. Help us to deliver your mail in a safe manner so our letter carriers can return at the end of each day to their families.

Kimberly Donner

Postmaster,

Streator Post Office