Dog Attacks Mail Carrier, Disturbing Video Shows, Owner Ticketed

A dog owner was ticketed after the animal attacked a mail carrier in Detroit on Friday.

Video of the attack taken from inside a car showed the man lying on the floor while the dog locked onto his ankle. A woman then tried helping the mail carrier by hitting the dog with a broom. The dog, however, didn't let go of the man.

The man recording the video then intervened and threw a trash container at the dog after which the animal let go of the mail carrier’s foot but held on to his arm. The driver then took out an anti-theft club from the car and struck the dog. The animal eventually released the man after which his owner comes out of the house and put a leash on the dog. Toward the end of the video, the dog could be seen running behind another neighbor. The mailman managed to get into the bystander's car.

Detroit police animal control took the dog and the Detroit police ticketed its owner. The mailman was taken to a hospital and listed in stable condition, FOX 2 reported.

Post the incident, the United States Postal Service released a statement saying, "The Postal Service is investigating this tragic incident and working with local authorities. We are deeply grateful to the concerned citizens who came the aid of our letter carrier. Unfortunately attacks such as this provide the postal service an opportunity to remind dog owners that it is their responsibility to restrain their pet in order to avoid attacks against our employees while they are in performance of their duties.”

The department also offered tips to prevent such attacks.

"When a mail carrier delivers mail or packages to your door, put your dog in a separate room and close that door. Teach your children and family members to not take mail directly while the family pet is nearby. The animal may see that as a threatening gesture. Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dog in any situation,” the department said.

Speaking to ABC-affiliated television station WXYZ, the dog’s owner said she never had issues with the animal and that the dog accidentally ran out of the house.

“I used to tease and say oh you know he’s a little push over he wouldn’t bite anybody,” she said.

The dog is currently under quarantine and it’s fate will be known in the next 10 days.