Seattle Is Tenth Most Dangerous City For Mail Carrier Dog Attacks

A new report released by the United States Postal Service has found that Seattle, Washington ranks tenth in the country when it comes to mail carriers being attacked by dogs while delivering mail.

According to the study, 28 mail carriers were injured by dogs while walking their routes in 2010. The worst city in the country for postal worker dog bites was Houston, where 62 mail carriers were bitten by dogs while on the job.

Here are the complete rankings:

1.    Houston: 62 bites
2.    Columbus and San Diego: 45 each
3.    Los Angeles: 44
4.    Louisville: 40
5.    San Antonio and St. Louis: 39 each
6.    Cleveland and Phoenix: 38 each
7.    Minneapolis and Portland: 35 each
8.    Denver and Philadelphia: 31 each
9.    Sacramento: 30
10.    Seattle: 28

While some residents laugh it off as a stereotype, dog bite attacks are a serious problem for Seattle-area mail carriers – and dog bites cost the Post Office $1.2 million just last year. According to a press release distributed by the Post Office, one-third of all homeowner insurance claims involve a dog attack.

What can Seattle residents do to help prevent their postal worker from being injured by a pet? The US Postal Service recommends that you keep your dog inside and away from the mail carrier whether or not you believe your dog may bite. In addition, be sure to train and socialize your dog.