Yes, dogs really do bite mailmen

A “dog warning card” arrived with my mail today. Thanks to a New Jersey branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers, you can see the form online. The form provides invaluable advice, such as “Do not deliver mail if you feel endangered by an animal.”

For a better understanding of the threats faced by America’s letter carriers, I recommend the following passage from The Postal Employee’s Guide to Safety (August 2006 edition), Section IX D:

Animals and Insects
1. General Rules

• You are not required to deliver mail when an animal threatens you. Use extra care in making deliveries when dogs or other animals are loose on your route…
• Neither antagonize nor attempt to pet dogs. If a dog rushes toward you or takes you by surprise, do not run. Retreat very slowly, facing the dog. Keep your mail satchel between you and the dog as a first line of defense. Be careful not to stumble over objects as you retreat.
• Use dog repellent spray only if you are attacked. Spray it directly at the dog’s eyes, nose, and mouth. Do not use dog repellent indiscriminately or when there is danger of spraying children or adults.
• When delivering mail through a door slot, keep your fingers out of the slot; an animal may be on the other side.

Yikes.