WASHINGTON – The president of the 298,000-member National Association of Letter Carriers today announced the postal union’s support for House Resolution 419, sponsored by Rep. Thaddeus G. McCotter (R-MI), calling on communities to take steps to protect letter carriers and other citizens against dog bites.

The resolution, introduced in Congress Monday by McCotter, chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, would also recognize National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 20-26.

NALC President William H. Young emphasized that letter carriers face the danger of dog bites every day they are working. He said the union backs McCotter’s resolution to raise awareness among Americans of the always traumatic and very often serious injuries that occur from such incidents.

“Local governments and homeowners must ensure that it is safe for letter carriers and others to walk through their neighborhoods without fear of being attacked,” Young said. “This includes adopting and then enforcing sufficient laws to control dangerous animals.”

“Congressman McCotter deserves to be commended for taking a leadership role in bringing the attention of Congress and the nation to this ongoing problem for all career letter carriers,” Young said. “Every day, these men and women have to be on their guard against an unexpected attack. Communities and residents must do more.”