Houston ranks number one in the nation for the most dog bite attacks to our mail carriers but the new general manager of BARC is hoping for big changes.
Dishon McKelvey has brought Houstonians their mail for the last eight years but his job has become more dangerous.
"I've been bit twice on my leg and once on my arm,"said McKelvey.
McKelvey is not the only one, his co-workers also have stories to tell. Some less serious than others. In the last three months, twenty-two dog bites were reported. Making Houston the number one city in the country for letter carrier dog attacks.
"When you're up against two or three dogs all you can do is run or try to fight them off,"said McKelvey.
The new manager of BARC, David Atencio, is hoping to find a solution. On Saturday morning, Atencio spoke to a crowd of Houston's letter carriers talking about changes. For one, animal control will be targeting the Houston areas with the most dog bites.
During McKelvey's route, animal control captured several stray dogs. Atencio said they're only part of the problem.
"Most of the problem comes from owned animals," said Atencio.
Dog owners may not be aware that their pooch can pose a problem. If a letter carrier feels they're in danger, mail to that home will not be delivered.
McKelvey has stopped delivering mail to some on his route after encountering pit bulls, boxers and other unrestrained dogs.
The City of Houston will also be making sure Houstonians are aware of what they can do to help. They hope to make sure McKelvey and others like him feel safe at work.
A fine for an unrestrained dog is up to $600. If a dog attacks a mail carrier, the dog may be quarantined or put to sleep. The owner could also be liable for medical or suffering expenses.
Dishon McKelvey has brought Houstonians their mail for the last eight years but his job has become more dangerous.
"I've been bit twice on my leg and once on my arm,"said McKelvey.
McKelvey is not the only one, his co-workers also have stories to tell. Some less serious than others. In the last three months, twenty-two dog bites were reported. Making Houston the number one city in the country for letter carrier dog attacks.
"When you're up against two or three dogs all you can do is run or try to fight them off,"said McKelvey.
The new manager of BARC, David Atencio, is hoping to find a solution. On Saturday morning, Atencio spoke to a crowd of Houston's letter carriers talking about changes. For one, animal control will be targeting the Houston areas with the most dog bites.
During McKelvey's route, animal control captured several stray dogs. Atencio said they're only part of the problem.
"Most of the problem comes from owned animals," said Atencio.
Dog owners may not be aware that their pooch can pose a problem. If a letter carrier feels they're in danger, mail to that home will not be delivered.
McKelvey has stopped delivering mail to some on his route after encountering pit bulls, boxers and other unrestrained dogs.
The City of Houston will also be making sure Houstonians are aware of what they can do to help. They hope to make sure McKelvey and others like him feel safe at work.
A fine for an unrestrained dog is up to $600. If a dog attacks a mail carrier, the dog may be quarantined or put to sleep. The owner could also be liable for medical or suffering expenses.
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