FY 2001 Total Recordable Dog Bite Accidents by Postal Service
Total dog bite accidents: 3,138
Dog Bite Prevention Background
The Victims The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reports that small children, the elderly, and letter carriers, in that order, are the most frequent victims. Dog attacks are the most commonly reported childhood public health problem in the United States. The HSUS also reports that the number of dog attacks exceeds the reported instances of measles, whooping cough, and mumps, combined. Dog bite victims account for up to 5 percent of emergency room visits. Many of the bites that were reported by 3,138 letter carriers last year came from dogs whose owners said would not bite.
How to Avoid Being Bitten Don't run past a dog. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch prey. If a dog threatens you, don't scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don't approach a strange dog, especially one that's tethered or confined. While letter carriers are discouraged from petting animals, people who choose to pet dogs should always let a dog see and sniff them before petting the animal.
How to Be a Responsible Dog Owner Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dog in any situation. When the letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room, or on a leash. Dn't let your child take mail from the letter carrier in the presence of your dog. Your dog's instinct is to protect the family. Spay or neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite. HSUS statistics reflect that dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are up to three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident than neutered or spayed dogs. Dogs that haven't been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time frequently turn into biters.
(The Humane Society of the United States web site http://www.nodogbites.org provides more information on the prevention of dog bites)
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