‘Most vicious’ L.A. leads nation in dog attacks on postal carriers

Sometimes when dog bites man, it is news.

The United States Postal Service released Wednesday its “top dog attack city rankings” with a “most vicious” Los Angeles topping the list.

The City of Angels saw 69 dog attacks on postal employees in the 2012 fiscal year, according to an agency statement. San Antonio and Seattle tied for second with 42 incidents each.

Two other California cities made the 14-spot list: San Francisco, which came in fourth with 38 attacks, and Sacramento, which tied Baltimore for eighth place with 29.

Wichita, Kan., rounded out the rankings with 20 incidents. In all, the agency said 5,879 postal employees were attacked nationwide last year.

The Postal Service, which released the rankings in anticipation of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, provided some tips for better canine control. Owners were advised to keep their dogs away from the front door when letter carriers arrive -- the agency noted dogs “have been known to jump through screen and glass doors.”

Problem pets or dogs roaming a neighborhood can result in a suspension of services until the delivery area is deemed safe, said Ken Snavely, L.A.’s acting postmaster.

“Many dogs are cherished members of their family and people believe their dog won’t bite, but given the right circumstances, any dog can attack,” Snavely said.

Last week, authorities scoured the Antelope Valley community of Littlerock after a 63-year-old woman was fatally mauled by four pit bulls. Sheriff’s officials eventually took six dogs into custody after a search that included a helicopter and a $25,000 reward offer.

DNA testing is being done to determine if any of the dogs were involved in the May 9 attack.

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