Postal delivery in this Alabama city is one of the worst in the country for mail carriers when it comes to dog bites.
With 15 dog bite incidents against postal workers in 2024, Birmingham is tied for 20th in dog attacks nationwide, according to the U.S. Postal Service.
The data was released shortly before the USPS kicked off its 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign in June.
The campaign’s theme, “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track,” is being thread on social media through the hashtag #dogbiteawareness.
Because of ties, 38 cities made the top 20.
Birmingham was tied for 20th with St. Petersburg, Florida and Fort Worth, Texas. All had 15 dog bite attacks on postal workers in 2024.
Topping the list was Los Angeles with 77 attacks, followed by Houston (65) and Chicago (57.)
“The best way to keep safe from dog attacks is to recognize and promote the responsibility of pet ownership, such as teaching your dog appropriate behavior and commands and not allowing your dog to roam freely. All dogs — regardless of breed, size or age — have the potential to bite,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager, in a statement.
“Dog bite attacks on postal employees are preventable. The most important message for our customers to remember during the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign is keep your dog secured and away from the carrier as the mail is being delivered,” she said. “Help ensure the safety of everyone in our communities.”
Mail carriers are trained to observe an area where they know dogs may be present. They are taught to be alert for potentially dangerous conditions and to respect a dog’s territory.
To avoid being attacked mail carriers are advised to:
- Make a non-threatening noise or rattle a fence to alert a dog if entering a yard;
- Never startle a dog;
- Keep their eyes on any dog;
- Never assume a dog will not bite;
- Never attempt to pet or feed a dog; and
- Place their foot against an outward swinging door to prevent a dog from escaping.
Mail service may be stopped if a carrier feels unsafe.
If homeowners don’t rein in their dangerous dogs, the post office may require them to use a P.O. Box to access their mail.
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