Postal Carriers Need Assistance With Dogs

LIBERTY, October 5, 2009 - The Liberty Post Office recently contacted the Liberty Police Department (LPD) about an increasing problem with dogs on the various letter carrier routes. Most people are aware of the problems stray dogs can cause. However, the dogs causing problems for the carriers are dogs that do have a home, but aren’t properly controlled. These are dogs that tend to stay on the owner’s property, yet they don’t have proper restraint. There have been several attacks on carriers by these types of dogs in the past few months.

Simone Spears, a supervisor at the Liberty Post office explains, “If a letter carrier is bitten by a dog, the post office may require the resident to pick up their mail at the post office, or require the resident to install a mailbox at the curb. Otherwise, the resident may not be able to receive home delivery of mail until the problem is remedied.”

The City of Liberty has an ordinance that pertains to proper restraint of dogs. In the ordinance, “restraint” means: on the premises of the dog’s owner, and either in the owners immediate presence and control, or confined by a secure physical barrier. Examples of barriers include a fence, pen, chain, tether, leash or electronic fence in good working order. Violators of the city ordinance can face fines of up to $500 for each offense.

The post office and LPD are asking for the public’s assistance in the proper restraint of animals so that letter carriers can accomplish their duties without harm. Please keep your dog(s) restrained either in your residence, or tied or fenced in an area away from the path that your letter carrier uses to deliver your mail. If you see a loose or stray dog, contact Animal Control at LPD at 936-336-5666.