USPS stops delivering mail to neighborhood after mailman attacked by dog

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Paulette Williams called the 19 News Troubleshooter team after a USPS mailman was attacked by her neighbor’s dog.

“The guy came and grabbed it, they had to choke the dog to grab him off the mailman because the mailman was hollering come get your dog, come get your dog,” said one neighbor.

Williams lives on East 114th St. in Cleveland. She tells 19 News this isn’t the first time the dog has bitten someone.

“He came straight towards me and was very aggressive, ”said Williams.

Since the incident USPS has stopped delivering mail to everyone on the street. For almost a month Williams and her neighbors have had to pick up their mail from a post office about 15 minutes away.

“It’s like we’re getting punished, for what they did, and that’s not okay,” said one neighbor.

Williams and other expressed their frustration about the new arrangement, explaining that many of them don’t have cars, and getting a ride is hard.

“Please help us get our mail back and get rid of that dog down the street,” said Williams.

The 19 News Troubleshooter team called the city and reached out to USPS.

According to the city charges were filed on September 7th, and the dog was classified as a level 2 threat.

Meaning for the next 5 years the owners have to abide by certain rules.

As for USPS they sent us a statement, saying they will not be returning to the neighborhood until they feel safe.

“The safety of our delivery employees and the aim to provide great customer service are both paramount to who we are as an organization. Due to a dog attack, the Postal Service suspended delivery in this area and the dog continues to roam the neighborhood unrestrained. Management has informed the owner and delivery will resume when it is safe for the letter carrier.

Aggressive and unrestrained animals are a serious issue. One bite or fall can cause a serious injury; they are painful yet they can be prevented. We request all customers keep their dogs restrained during normal delivery hours to protect the safety of the letter carriers.

Dog owners are responsible for controlling their dogs. The best way to keep everyone safe from dog bites is to recognize and promote responsible pet ownership. Most people know the approximate time their letter carrier arrives every day and having their dog secured as the carrier approaches their property for delivery will minimize any dog carrier interactions.”

- Naddia Dhalai, USPS Corporate Communications

When I asked, what the process was for deeming the neighborhood safe again, and brought up the residents concerns about the commute time, USPS gave us this response.

“Like I said, this is a serious safety issue, and it has not been resolved. When that happens, mail will resume.

There isn’t another post office where customers can pick up their mail. We regret this inconvenience; however the safety of our employees is our top priority”.

- Naddia Dhalai, USPS Corporate Communications

Leaving neighbors in a tough situation and penalized for an act they had nothing to do with.

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