Long Beach Among Worst Cities For Dog Attacks On Postal Workers: USPS Ranking

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach is among the nation's 20 worst cities for dog attacks on postal workers, according to data released by the U.S. Postal Service as part of its annual Dog Bite Awareness Campaign.

The postal service announced the figures as it kicked off its monthlong campaign focused on preventing injuries to mail carriers. Nationwide, more than 5,200 postal employees were attacked by dogs last year, USPS officials said.

With 70 incidents reported last year, Los Angeles was the worst city for dog attacks. Dallas came in at No. 2 with 50 incidents.

Long Beach came in at No. 17, with 20 incidents.

USPS officials said even well-behaved pets can react unpredictably when a mail carrier approaches a home.

"Every single day, our postal employees serve their communities across dynamic, fast-changing environments," Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager, said in a statement. "Preventing dog-related incidents requires constant, shared vigilance."

Here's a look at the national ranking of California cities:

Postal officials are encouraging pet owners to secure dogs before opening the door for deliveries, keep animals behind closed doors during delivery times and use leashes when dogs are outside.

USPS also warned that dog attacks can carry significant financial consequences for owners. Victims may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, damaged clothing and emotional trauma resulting from an attack.

San Antonio letter carrier Fiona Hudson recalled suffering serious injuries after a dog escaped a yard and attacked her while she was delivering mail.

"I was rushed to the hospital bleeding, with a broken bone, a severe arm sprain and was barely able to move," Hudson said in a statement. "While my physical wounds have healed, the trauma of that vicious attack stays with me."

The agency said mail delivery can be suspended when carriers feel unsafe because of an unsecured dog. In some cases, residents may be required to pick up mail at a local post office until the issue is resolved.

To help reduce risks, postal carriers receive training on identifying potentially dangerous situations and are equipped with dog warning alerts on handheld scanners, USPS officials said.

The campaign, which began June 1, carries the theme: "Don't turn your back on dog bite prevention."