Recent data reveal a concerning trend in New York, especially in Long Island: postal workers are increasingly targeted by dog attacks. The U.S. Postal Service’s annual dog bite awareness campaign draws attention to the frequent conflicts between mail carriers and dogs, which often result in injuries.
In 2024, New York reported an alarming 322 incidents where dogs lashed out at mail carriers, positioning the state at fifth in the nation for such attacks. Long Island experienced the highest number of these incidents, with Nassau and Suffolk counties accounting for a staggering 83 of those encounters, as reported by the New York Post. This figure translates to more than 25% of the statewide dog attacks on those who deliver our mail.
Certain areas in Long Island, such as Hempstead, Bay Shore, and Amityville, recorded the highest number of bites last year, with four incidents each, showing that some communities experience a greater risk of dog attacks. Diana Villatoro, a postal worker from Franklin Square with over 25 years of experience, shared her anxiety in an interview with Newsday, saying, “You’re always afraid that you’re going to get bit,” the New York Post reported…