Indianapolis ranks 19th in dog attacks

INDIANAPOLIS, IN.(WISH) - Of the 4.7 million Americans bitten by dogs annually, more than half are children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sadly, Indianapolis ranks as number 19 for dog attacks to postal employees.

The U.S. Postal Service, the medical community, veterinarians and the insurance industry are working together to educate the public that dog bites are avoidable.

"Given the right circumstances, any dog can attack. Dog attacks are a nationwide issue and not just a postal problem.

Working with animal behavior experts, we've developed tips to avoid dog attacks, and for dog owners, tips for practicing responsible pet ownership.

" The Postal Service is releasing its ranking of the top 25 cities for dog attacks to letter carriers to kick off National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 19th through the 25th , and Indianapolis ranks as number 19.

The annual event provides dog-bite prevention tips, information on responsible pet ownership and advice about medical treatment if attacked.

Between 12 and 20 people die from dog attacks annually, according to the CDC.

Just last month a Nevada toddler was mauled to death by his family pet on his first birthday. 

The Postal Service places the safety of its employees as a top priority.

Letter carriers fearing for their safety due to a loose or unrestrained pet may stop delivery and ask homeowners to pick up their mail at the Post Office until the pet is restrained.

In cases where a carrier sees a dog roaming and can't discern where it resides, delivery could be interrupted to the entire neighborhood.

Nationwide last year, 5,577 postal employees were attacked in more than 1,400 cities.

Los Angeles topped the list with 83 postal employees attacked in 2011.

Beyond the needless pain and suffering, medical expenses from dog attacks cost the Postal Service nearly 1-point 2 million dollars last year.