The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has released a report identifying the top states in the U.S. and which Florida cities have the highest number of dog attacks on mail carriers.
In Florida, the report says dog attacks are on the rise.
The USPS list the top cities in the state of reported dog attacks on postal workers.
- Miami
- St. Petersburg
- Jacksonville
- Tampa
- Pensacola
- Orlando
- Hialeah
- Clearwater
- Brooksville
- Pompano Beach
- Pembroke Pines
- New Port Richey
- Middleburg
- Lehigh Acres
Despite its huge population, Florida came in at number eighth behind others states with the most dog attacks on USPS carriers.
But Florida dog owners are being warned to keep their dogs in check or on a leash. If not, they could face substantial fines.
In May, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that says dog owners must secure their animals in enclosed areas, Owners who know of a dog’s dangerous tendencies must securely confine the dog, such as in a locked, fenced yard.
They must register the dog with the county and carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance and microchip their pets. It also requires the impounding of dogs involved in attacks causing serious injury during investigations. The bill also includes provisions for euthanasia of dogs that have caused severe injuries and were surrendered.
Any dog owner violating the law will be subject to fines up to $1,000 per violation, and anyone obstructing animal control from enforcing the act could get fined up to $1,000 and/or get jail time up to a year.
Thew new law will take effect this July 1.
In their report, the USPS said there were more than 6,000 cases involving dogs attacking postal carriers last year through the U.S.
