Canada Post reports spike in mail carrier bites in B.C.

Canada Post is reporting a spike in dogs biting its letter carriers, particularly in British Columbia.

Pacific Region spokeswoman Lillian Salchner said there have been 14 dog attacks in B.C. so far this year and that number doesn't include incidents that didn't lead to injuries.

She said seven of the attacks have taken place since June 2, and one carrier was hospitalized after being bitten twice by dogs in the last two months.

Salchner said one of the dogs was put down and mail delivery to both homes was temporarily suspended.

She said dog attacks can be traumatic for mail carriers.

"Dog attacks, bites, cause serious injuries to our employees every year," Salchner said. "Many of them are hospitalized, have scars and have physical and mental injuries."

Salchner said it tends to be a seasonal problem as more dogs are outside in the summer.

She reminded dog owners to help keep mail carriers safe from dog bites by restraining their animals well away from the delivery area.

Canada Post letter carriers also have the right to refuse delivery if problems persist.