The United States Postal Service is issuing an urgent warning to all Americans. The agency is asking residents to keep their dogs secured during mail deliveries. This comes after more than 5,200 postal workers were attacked by canines last year.
The warning arrives as the USPS kicks off its annual Dog Bite Awareness campaign. The monthlong June initiative is aimed at reducing attacks on mail carriers and promoting responsible pet ownership.
"Every single day, our postal employees serve their communities across dynamic, fast-changing environments," Leeann Theriault, employee safety and health awareness manager for the USPS, said in a statement. "Preventing dog-related incidents requires constant, shared vigilance."
The USPS noted that even typically calm and well-behaved dogs can react unpredictably. This often happens when animals feel threatened or become protective of their territory.
The agency is urging pet owners to secure their dogs before opening their front doors. They should also keep animals leashed during regular delivery hours and avoid accepting mail directly from carriers while pets are nearby.
5,200 ATTACKS: USPS warns Americans after more than 5,200 mail carriers were attacked by dogs across the country last year, telling pet owners that even "calm" dogs can turn aggressive during deliveries. Los Angeles led all cities with 70 reported incidents, followed by Dallas… pic.twitter.com/N2TZb73qS9
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Postal officials warned that dog attacks can carry significant financial consequences for owners. These costs can include medical expenses, lost wages, replacement costs, and other damages.
The agency highlighted the terrifying experience of San Antonio letter carrier Fiona Hudson. Her story serves as a clear example of the dangers mail carriers can face on the job.
"I was walking my route when a dog jumped the fence and lunged at me," Hudson said in a statement.
"I was rushed to the hospital bleeding, with a broken bone, a severe arm sprain and was barely able to move," she also said. "While my physical wounds have healed, the trauma of that vicious attack stays with me."
Hudson urged customers to take responsibility for securing their pets during delivery hours. The USPS noted that failing to do so can have consequences for local mail service.
"When a carrier feels unsafe because of a roaming dog, mail service can be temporarily suspended," the USPS said. In some cases, residents may be required to pick up their mail at a local post office until the situation is resolved.
If a dangerous dog issue persists, homeowners could be required to rent a post office box to continue receiving their mail.
"If a dog is roaming the neighborhood, the pet owner's neighbors also may be asked to pick up their mail at the area’s post office," the USPS says on its website.
The city of Los Angeles recorded the highest number of reported dog attacks on mail carriers last year. The California city saw 70 incidents, according to USPS data.
Dallas ranked second nationally with 50 incidents. Denver followed with 45 attacks, while Houston recorded 44 and Chicago saw 43.
Fox News Digital reached out to the USPS for further comment. "The Postal Service places the safety of its employees as a top priority," the USPS says.