The U.S. Postal Service reported more than 5,200 dog attacks on its mail carriers and postal workers during the most recent reporting period [1], [2].
These figures highlight a persistent safety risk for federal employees who encounter unrestrained or aggressive animals on their daily routes. The data allows the agency to identify specific geographic hotspots where workers are most vulnerable to injury.
According to various reports, the incidents occurred last year [1], [3], though one report specified the attacks were recorded in 2025 [5]. The high volume of attacks underscores the danger posed by aggressive dogs to employees performing their duties in residential areas.
The USPS identified several cities and states as primary hotspots for these incidents [4]. Particular attention was drawn to the Midwest and Columbus, Ohio, which were noted as areas with significant numbers of attacks [3].
Safety concerns for employees remain the primary driver for the agency's data collection and reporting [5]. The agency continues to track these incidents to better understand the patterns of aggression and to implement safety measures for its workforce.
While the total number of attacks exceeds 5,200 [1], [2], the specific breakdown by city helps the agency pinpoint where safety warnings or route adjustments may be necessary. The concentration of attacks in specific regions, such as the Midwest, suggests that local factors may contribute to the frequency of these encounters [3].
“More than 5,200 dog attacks on USPS workers”
The recurring nature of these attacks indicates that standard safety protocols may be insufficient in high-risk zones. By mapping hotspots, the USPS can shift from a general safety approach to a targeted strategy, potentially implementing specialized training or route modifications in cities like Columbus to reduce worker injuries.
