United States Postal Service vs. the Dogs

Where do you live? It turns out, Chicago dogs like postal carriers – at least more than 12 other cities do.

The Postal Service released statistics today (May 12) highlighting the cities where the most dog attacks occur nationwide. Houston tops the list with 62 letter carriers attacked in 2010 (far exceeding the number two ranked cities). Nationwide last year, 5,669 postal employees were attacked in more than 1,400 cities, according to the USPS. 

These statistics are part of the reason the Postal Service recognizes National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 15-21. The annual event provides dog attack prevention tips and information on responsible pet ownership.

Beyond the needless pain and suffering, medical expenses from dog attacks cost the Postal Service nearly $1.2 million last year. Apparently, the USPS is blaming all their issues on dogs.

Rounding out the top 10 rankings for 2010 are:           

 
Ranking    City(s)    Attacks
2    Columbus, OH, and San Diego, CA    45 each
3    Los Angeles, CA    44
4    Louisville, KY    40
5    San Antonio, TX, and St. Louis, MO    39 each
6    Cleveland, OH, and Phoenix, AZ    38 each
7    Minneapolis, MN, and Portland, OR    35 each
8    Denver, CO, and Philadelphia, PA    31 each
9    Sacramento, CA    30
10    Seattle, WA    28
Chicago is just beyond the top-10, at #13 with 25 attacks.