MONROE - The United States Postal Service (USPS) is urging community members to take note of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which is May 15-21.
According to the USPS, approximately 4.7 million people were attacked by dogs in the United States last year, of which 5,669 were postal employees.
Medical expenses from the attacks on postal employees cost the USPS nearly $1.2 million last year and, according to the Insurance Information Institute, dog attacks accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners' liability claims paid out in 2010.
"Dog attacks are a nationwide issue and not just a postal problem," Monroe Postmaster Gene Naumann said in a statement. "Working with animal behavior experts, we've developed tips to avoid dog attacks, and for dog owners, tips for practicing responsible pet ownership."
To learn more about dog bites and prevention, visit www.avma.org/press/publichealth/dogbite/mediakit.as.
According to the USPS, approximately 4.7 million people were attacked by dogs in the United States last year, of which 5,669 were postal employees.
Medical expenses from the attacks on postal employees cost the USPS nearly $1.2 million last year and, according to the Insurance Information Institute, dog attacks accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners' liability claims paid out in 2010.
"Dog attacks are a nationwide issue and not just a postal problem," Monroe Postmaster Gene Naumann said in a statement. "Working with animal behavior experts, we've developed tips to avoid dog attacks, and for dog owners, tips for practicing responsible pet ownership."
To learn more about dog bites and prevention, visit www.avma.org/press/publichealth/dogbite/mediakit.as.
