The Postal Service is biting back.

From nips and bites to actual attacks, violent dog behavior continues to pose a serious threat to postal employees. Nearly 2,900 Postal Service employees were bitten by dogs last year alone.

The Postal Service recognizes National Dog Bite Prevention Week, an annual event in May designed to provide consumers with information on how to be responsible pet owners while increasing awareness of a public health issue.

The American Veterinary Medical Association, the Humane Society of the United States and the American Academy of Pediatrics report that small children, the elderly and Postal Service letter carriers — in that order — are the most frequent victims of dog bites. Dog attacks are the most commonly reported childhood public health problem in the United States.

Letter carriers fearing for their safety due to a loose or unrestrained pet may ask homeowners to pick up their mail at the Post Office until the carrier is assured the pet is restrained.

Source: Brazil Times