News Summary

St. Petersburg, Florida has been highlighted in a recent USPS report as one of the top cities for dog attacks on postal workers, with 15 incidents reported last year. Miami followed closely with 17 attacks, contributing to a troubling trend in Florida, which had a total of 210 dog attacks in 2024. This increase leads to the USPS launching a National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign to educate dog owners about responsible pet ownership and safety around mail carriers. The report emphasizes the serious implications of dog attacks for both mail employees and pet owners.

St. Petersburg Among Top Cities for Dog Attacks as USPS Reports Rising Incidents

The city of St. Petersburg, Florida, has gained unwanted attention as one of the top cities for dog attacks, according to the latest annual report from the United States Postal Service (USPS). The report, released on May 30, 2025, indicates that there were 15 dog attacks on postal employees in St. Petersburg last year, placing it among the top 20 cities for dog bite incidents nationwide.

In a related finding, Miami also reported 17 dog attacks, highlighting a concerning trend in Florida, which recorded a total of 210 dog attacks in 2024. This statistic ranks the state eighth in the nation for such incidents. In total, the USPS reported over 6,000 dog attacks nationwide on postal employees last year, reflecting an increase from the over 5,800 incidents recorded in 2023.

Statistics and Rankings

Within the USPS annual report, it was noted that 38 cities made it onto the list of the top 20 localities with the highest number of dog bite incidents. Los Angeles topped the list with 77 attacks on postal workers in 2024, followed by San Diego, which reported 35 attacks, ranking eighth overall. An alarming trend is emerging, as these figures continue to rise year after year.

National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign

In response to these growing incidents, the USPS is set to launch its National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign on June 1, 2025. This initiative aims to educate dog owners about the importance of responsible pet ownership. The campaign carries the theme “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track,” underscoring the need for safety and vigilance among dog owners, particularly during postal deliveries.

Emphasizing Responsibility

The USPS emphasizes that all dogs, regardless of breed, size, or age, can pose a risk of biting. As part of the campaign, postal officials urge dog owners to ensure that their pets are secured away from mail carriers during delivery times. The organization warns that dog owners may face substantial financial liabilities if their pets injure a postal worker. Costs could include medical expenses, lost wages due to the injury, and the replacement of damaged uniforms.

Furthermore, the USPS has put in place strict measures for the safety of its employees. If a postal carrier feels unsafe due to a dog on a property, they have the authority to halt mail service at that address until it is deemed safe to resume. This policy serves as a reminder of the serious implications of dog bite incidents for both owners and postal workers.

Tips for Prevention

To aid in preventing dog attacks, the USPS has provided advice for dog owners. Some key tips include keeping dogs secured away from the mail area and educating family members about the potential dangers of encountering postal workers. These simple yet effective measures can significantly enhance the safety of both dog owners and postal employees.

Conclusion

The growing number of dog attacks presents an ongoing challenge, not just in St. Petersburg but across the entire country. The USPS’s National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign is a proactive step aimed at reducing these incidents by promoting responsible dog ownership and education. As communities work together to address this issue, understanding the risks related to pet ownership and taking necessary precautions becomes ever more vital.

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Additional Resources

• WFLA News
• Desert Sun
• ABC Action News
• USPS Dog Bite Rankings
• Fox 13 News
• Wikipedia: Dog Bite