The USPS Just Revealed the Worst States for Dog Attacks—And Michigan Is High on the List

I don't know about you but I love my mailman.

Get our free mobile app

Garret is an awesome dude who always takes the time to chat with me when we see each other.

He's also really nice to my dogs Benny and Paddy who always welcome him to our front door with a nice big loud barking session.

It's their way of saying, "HI GARRET! IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN!"

A few years ago Benny and Paddy got so excited when Garret walked up that Paddy actually knocked out our front door screen.

While there is nothing wrong with your dog barking at a mail carrier, it's a different story when they come at them aggressively and bite them.

On Thursday the USPS put out a list showing the worst states and cities for dog attacks on mail carriers.

Read More: 25 Things Michigan Is Known And Famous For

Michigan Is One of the Worst States for Dog Attacks on Mail Carriers

USPS mail carriers had to deal with 5,200 dog attacks last year.

In Michigan there were 174 dog attacks last year coming in at #9 on the list.

The worst city in Michigan was Detroit with 24 dog attacks.

Besides the emotional impact of such a scary incident, There are also the physical injuries that happen when dogs attack.

San Antonio, Texas letter carrier Fiona Hudson shared what happened to her last year while delivering mail.

“I was walking my route when a dog jumped the fence and lunged at me. I used my dog repellent and mail bag to defend myself, but it was too late. I was rushed to the hospital bleeding, with a broken bone, a severe arm sprain and was barely able to move. While my physical wounds have healed, the trauma of that vicious attack stays with me. Customers must take responsibility and secure their dogs during delivery hours.”

The USPS offers this advice to dog owners to help prevent a potentially dangerous situation between your mail carrier and your dog

Keep your dog in a separate closed room before opening the front door.

If you step outside, ensure the door is firmly latched.

Always use a leash if your dog is outdoors during mail delivery.

Finally, never accept mail directly from a carrier in the presence of your dog, and teach children to avoid doing so, as dogs can misinterpret the interaction as a threat.

Read More: Michigan Restaurants Guy Fieri Has Visited With The Food Network

Thanks to all the amazing mail carriers that brave Michigan's crazy weather year round to make sure we get our mail.

Let's do our part and make sure they're safe so they can return home safely to their family at the end of the day.