A Richmond letter carrier whos been bitten six times by dogs is asking pet owners to start doing their part in reducing attacks.
In his 11 years on the job, Dan Douey has not only received six nasty bites, but has also been charged at by dogs multiple times.
During the first 18 days of July, 41 employees across Canada reported dog bites, the most serious one ending tragically with the amputation of an Ontario relief letter carriers thumb.
And Douey, also a relief worker, knows the hazards all too well in Richmond.
In one case, a dog locked inside a home and apparently out of harms reach, charged a window to get to him and broke it in the process.
So, if anyone can say theres no such thing as a dog that doesnt bite, its Douey.
Its a pretty serious problem, said Douey.
Owners have to realize that any dog has a potential to bite.
Ironically, his worst bite came just after a dogs owner claimed the pet was harmless. Moments later, Doueys hand was bleeding badly, and he was forced to seek hospital attention and get a tetanus shot.
Two of the other bites were from dogs in office buildings. Since then, hes learned to be cautious.
Canada Post teaches employees the basics about dog attack prevention, and hes picked up a few tips on his own.
The key is not to run. If you run, hes going to chase you, he said.
If you stand your ground, that seems to confuse them.
Douey is asking the public to keep dogs on leashes or otherwise restrained, even when they are on homeowners property, during the hours in which the letter carrier typically visits.
Dog attacks typically rise during summer months when owners are away on vacation and when relief letter carriers are filling in on routes where dogs may be accustomed to a different postal worker.
This year, dogs are also adjusting as letter carriers return to work after last months service disruptions.
There have been 54 dog attacks requiring medical attention in B.C. so far this year.
