Indy makes USPS dog attack rankings
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Indianapolis is once again a top city for dog attacks on U.S. Postal Service employees.
Why it matters: In addition to causing injuries, these incidents can be a major liability for Hoosier dog owners.
- Claims related to dog-related injuries cost homeowner insurers $1.1 million in 2023, according to the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm.
- USPS says the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite is $64,555.
Driving the news: Indy landed on USPS's newly released national dog bite rankings with 30 incidents in 2023, 12th most in the nation.
- That's up from 21 incidents in 2022 when Indianapolis ranked 15th overall.
Zoom out: Los Angeles topped the list with 65 dog attacks in 2023, followed by Houston (56), Chicago (48), St. Louis (46), and Cleveland (44).
- Nationwide, dog attacks increased by 9% from 2022, with 5,800 last year.
Zoom in: Looking at incidents beyond just mail carriers, State Farm said Indiana was one of the top 10 states for dog-related claims in 2022.
- That year, State Farm paid $7.4 million on 112 claims in Indiana.
Here are some owner tips to prevent dog bites from the Insurance Information Institute.
- Know your dog's triggers.
- If your dog doesn't like visitors, keep them secured when someone approaches the door.
- Spayed or neutered dogs are less likely to bite.
The other side: Here's advice for anyone looking to avoid being bitten.
- Don't pet unfamiliar dogs.
- Never approach a barking, growling or scared dog.
- Avoid leaving kids 10 and younger alone with a dog.