USPS aiming to keep mail carriers protected from dog attacks

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Last year, more than 5,200 U.S. Postal Service employees were injured in dog attacks, with dozens of incidents reported in Alabama.

Now, USPS is renewing its push for awareness, reminding residents that for letter carriers, delivering the mail often means navigating unpredictable encounters at the curb, on porches, and at front doors.

Montgomery letter carrier Quncharlevas Barnes said a violent encounter from years ago continues to shape how she approaches her route.

“About six years ago, I got attacked by six pit bulls at once. I was walking to put the mail on the porch, and when I opened the door, the dogs came out and they attacked,” Barnes said.

Barnes said she needed counseling and therapy after the incident and still feels intimidated when she sees dogs while working.

“It was very serious, I had about six bites, about 40 stitches, a concussion, a black eye, a bruised rib,” she said.

USPS provides dog-safety training to letter carriers and issues tools such as repellant. Carriers are taught to stay alert and avoid interactions that could trigger an animal.

Letter carrier Thomas Brown said training emphasizes caution.

“We get taught in training to not get friendly with pets, to stay aware, don’t feed them,” Brown said.

Brown said he was delivering mail on foot about two months ago when he saw a dog approaching.

“I froze. I took my bag, I put the bag in front of me, because they teach us to put the bag in front of us to have something between you and the dog,” he said.

Barnes and Brown said sharing their experiences is meant to remind residents that even dogs with calm temperaments can react differently to a uniformed carrier entering a yard or approaching a porch.

Carriers say the key message is simple: just because a dog is friendly with its owner doesn’t mean it will be friendly with a mail carrier, and even a “good dog” can have a bad day.

In the Wiregrass and River Region, USPS reported at least one dog attack last year in Dothan, Montgomery, Prattville, and Selma.

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