Latest news with #Theriault
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
USPS lists states with the most dog attacks against mail carriers. Where did Illinois rank?
For decades in TV shows and cartoons, it's been funny when frantic dog attacks their mortal enemy, the mailman. In reality, it can mean medical bills, pain and suffering for the delivery person and thousands of dollars in liability for the dog owner according to the U.S. Postal Service, which released its annual list of national dog bite data in time for the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign throughout June. This year's theme: 'Don't let your dog bite the hand that serves you.' Incidents involving dog attacks on U.S. Postal Service employees rose to more than 6,000 cases last year, according to a USPS release. California was by far the most dangerous place for mail carrier legs with 701 attacks reported in 2024, and Texas reported 438. Ohio, with half our population, was No. 3 with 350. Illinois was right behind Ohio, ranking No. 4 with 344. "The best way to keep safe from dog attacks is to recognize and promote the responsibility of pet ownership, such as teaching your dog appropriate behavior and commands and not allowing your dog to roam freely. All dogs — regardless of breed, size or age — have the potential to bite," said Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager. "Dog bite attacks on postal employees are preventable," Theriault said. "The most important message for our customers to remember during the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign is keep your dog secured and away from the carrier as the mail is being delivered. Help ensure the safety of everyone in our communities." These are the top 10 states for dog attacks in the U.S. for 2024, according to the USPS: California: 701 Texas: 438 Ohio: 350 Illinois: 344 New York: 322 Pennsylvania: 316 Michigan: 231 Florida: 210 Missouri: 207 North Carolina: 169 Any dog, even normally non-aggressive ones, can attack if they feel their turf is being invaded. "Customers may not consider their dog a danger to others, however, to a letter carrier like me, all dogs can be considered a threat when delivering the mail," said Jonah Helfrich, a Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, letter carrier. "I was recently delivering mail and a dog barged through a door and bit me on the wrist, which required me to seek medical treatment. I strongly encourage all dog owners to take precautions to make sure their dog is secure when mail is being delivered." It's not just the carrier who will be affected, although that's enough. If a postal employee is injured the dog owner may be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs and pain and suffering for the carrie, and that can run into the thousands. It can also mean your mail will be delayed, as the USPS prioritizes the safety of its workers and will ask you to come pick it up at a facility until the carrier feels safe returning to your home. If your dog is free to roam about, your neighbors also may have to go pick up their mail at the post office. The USPS has suggestions to start a cease-fire in the eternal dog-carrier war: When it's time for a letter carrier to arrive, keep dogs inside the house or behind a fence, in a different room with the door closed, or on a leash. Dogs can burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows if they feel threatened. Don't let children take mail directly from a mail carrier as the dog may view the carrier as a threat to the child. Sign up for Informed Delivery to get a heads-up on when the mail will arrive (and get photos of your mail before it gets there). USPS workers are trained to be cautious when approaching an area where they know dogs may be present and to respect a dog's territory. Letter carriers are trained to: Make a non-threatening noise or rattle a fence to alert a dog if entering a yard Never startle a dog Keep their eyes on any dog Never assume a dog will not bite Never attempt to pet or feed a dog Place their foot against an outward swinging door to prevent a dog from escaping If a dog attacks, carriers are also trained to stand their ground and protect their body by placing something between them and the dog — such as a mail satchel — and to use dog repellent, if necessary. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Dog bite attacks against mail carriers rose in 2024, USPS says
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
USPS lists states with the most dog attacks against mail carriers. Where did Florida rank?
For decades in TV shows and cartoons, it's been funny when frantic dog attacks their mortal enemy, the mailman. In reality, it can mean medical bills, pain and suffering for the delivery person and thousands of dollars in liability for the dog owner according to the U.S. Postal Service, which released its annual list of national dog bite data in time for the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign throughout June. This year's theme: 'Don't let your dog bite the hand that serves you.' Incidents involving dog attacks on U.S. Postal Service employees rose to more than 6,000 cases last year, according to a USPS release, and Florida was the eighth-highest state in the country for dog bites with 210 incidents. That's more incidents than the 193 reported in 2023, but Florida ranked 7th in the nation that year. California was by far the most dangerous place for mail carrier legs with 701 attacks reported in 2024, and Texas reported 438. Ohio, with half our population, was No. 3 with 350. There were 220 bites reported in Florida in 2022. The worst Florida cities for postal dog bites? Miami, with 17, and St. Petersburg with 15 both made the top 20 cities list. The most dangerous place to deliver mail was Los Angeles, which saw 77 dog bite reports in 2024. "The best way to keep safe from dog attacks is to recognize and promote the responsibility of pet ownership, such as teaching your dog appropriate behavior and commands and not allowing your dog to roam freely. All dogs — regardless of breed, size or age — have the potential to bite," said Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager. "Dog bite attacks on postal employees are preventable," Theriault said. "The most important message for our customers to remember during the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign is keep your dog secured and away from the carrier as the mail is being delivered. Help ensure the safety of everyone in our communities." We're top dog! Florida is the most dog-friendly state in U.S., study finds These are the top 10 states for dog attacks in the U.S. for 2024, according to the USPS: California: 701 Texas: 438 Ohio: 350 Illinois: 344 New York: 322 Pennsylvania: 316 Michigan: 231 Florida: 210 Missouri: 207 North Carolina: 169 According to data from the USPS, the top cities in Florida for dog bites are: Miami: 17 St. Petersburg: 15 Jacksonville: 10 Tampa: 9 Pensacola: 8 Orlando: 7 Hialeah: 6 Clearwater: 5 Brooksville: 4 Pompano Beach: 4 Pembroke Pines: 4 New Port Richey: 4 Middleburg: 4 Lehigh Acres: 4 Any dog, even normally non-aggressive ones, can attack if they feel their turf is being invaded. "Customers may not consider their dog a danger to others, however, to a letter carrier like me, all dogs can be considered a threat when delivering the mail," said Jonah Helfrich, a Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, letter carrier. "I was recently delivering mail and a dog barged through a door and bit me on the wrist, which required me to seek medical treatment. I strongly encourage all dog owners to take precautions to make sure their dog is secure when mail is being delivered." It's not just the carrier who will be affected, although that's enough. If a postal employee is injured the dog owner may be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs and pain and suffering for the carrie, and that can run into the thousands. It can also mean your mail will be delayed, as the USPS prioritizes the safety of its workers and will ask you to come pick it up at a facility until the carrier feels safe returning to your home. If your dog is free to roam about, your neighbors also may have to go pick up their mail at the post office. The USPS has suggestions to start a cease-fire in the eternal dog-carrier war: When it's time for a letter carrier to arrive, keep dogs inside the house or behind a fence, in a different room with the door closed, or on a leash. Dogs can burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows if they feel threatened. Don't let children take mail directly from a mail carrier as the dog may view the carrier as a threat to the child. Sign up for Informed Delivery to get a heads-up on when the mail will arrive (and get photos of your mail before it gets there). USPS workers are trained to be cautious when approaching an area where they know dogs may be present and to respect a dog's territory. Letter carriers are trained to: Make a non-threatening noise or rattle a fence to alert a dog if entering a yard Never startle a dog Keep their eyes on any dog Never assume a dog will not bite Never attempt to pet or feed a dog Place their foot against an outward swinging door to prevent a dog from escaping If a dog attacks, carriers are also trained to stand their ground and protect their body by placing something between them and the dog — such as a mail satchel — and to use dog repellent, if necessary. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Dog bite attacks against mail carriers rose in 2024, USPS says
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
U.S. Postal Service brings awareness to dog bite prevention
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Last year, incidents involving dog attacks on Postal Service workers rose by more than 6,000 cases. As part of the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, the organization is offering information on how dog owners can be good stewards for safe mail delivery and ensure the safety of its employees. See a paw print sticker on a mailbox? Why you shouldn't remove it The month-long campaign begins on Sunday, June 1. This year's theme is 'Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track.' For those who want to help spread news of the campaign, you can use the hashtag #dogbiteawareness. 'The best way to keep safe from dog attacks is to recognize and promote the responsibility of pet ownership, such as teaching your dog appropriate behavior and commands and not allowing your dog to roam freely,' USPS employee safety and health awareness manager Leeann Theriault said. 'All dogs – regardless of breed, size or age – have the potential to bite.' 'Dog bite attacks on postal employees are preventable,' Theriault continued. 'The most important message for our customers to remember during the 2025 USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign is to keep your dog secured and away from the carrier as the mail is being delivered. Help ensure the safety of everyone in our communities.' Dogs may attack not only to defend their territory, but also when they feel startled, anxious or unwell. It's not just about bad or aggressive dogs – it's about unpredictable moments. Some advice given by USPS to help postal workers is to keep your dog in a separate room or area away from the door when the mail carrier comes to your house. If you go outside, close the door firmly behind you and make sure it is secured so your dog doesn't slip out or bust through it unexpectedly. If you are outside with your dog while mail is being delivered, make sure your dog is secured away from the mail carrier and on a leash. Never accept mail from your mail carrier in the presence of your dog. Pet owners also should remind children not to take mail directly from a letter carrier because the dog may view the carrier as a threat to the child. Mail carriers are trained to observe an area where they know dogs may be present. They are taught to be alert for potentially dangerous conditions and to respect a dog's territory. Man mauled to death by dogs in California, 1 arrested Mail carriers are trained to: Make a non-threatening noise or rattle a fence to alert a dog if entering a yard. Never startle a dog. Keep their eyes on any dog. Never assume a dog will not bite. Never attempt to pet or feed a dog Place their foot against an outward swinging door to prevent a dog from escaping. If a dog attacks, carriers are also trained to stand their ground and protect their body by placing something between them and the dog, such as a mail satchel, and to use dog repellent, if necessary. Mail carriers have tools to alert them to dogs on their routes. A dog alert feature on carriers' handheld scanners can remind them of a possible dog hazard, and dog warning cards must be used during mail sorting to alert carriers to addresses where a dog may interfere with delivery. When a carrier feels unsafe, mail service can be stopped. Until the carrier feels safe enough to restart delivery, the mail will have to be picked up at the dog owner's local Post Office. If a dangerous dog issue is not resolved, owners can be required to rent a Post Office box to receive mail. When a postal employee suffers an injury from a dog attack, it can cost the dog owner thousands of dollars because they could be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs, and pain and suffering for the employee. Dogs and cats can also suffer from allergies, but there are ways to help our furry friends By using USPS Informed Delivery, a free service, customers can digitally preview incoming mail and packages from a computer, tablet or mobile device. Millions of customers have enrolled since the service was launched in 2017. Sign up at . This service can help dog owners anticipate when their carrier will arrive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dog attacks on USPS workers rose last year. See cities with most attacks.
Incidents involving dog attacks against U.S. Postal Service workers rose to more than 6,000 cases last year — a jump of at least 200 cases since 2023, the USPS said. California saw the greatest number of incidents involving dog attacks, with 701 in 2024. Texas ranked second with 438 incidents, followed by Ohio with 350 incidents, the USPS said in a news release Thursday. Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, Missouri and North Carolina rounded out the top 10 states with the most dog incidents. Here are the top 10 U.S. cities for dog attacks in 2024, according to the USPS, and the number of incidents in each city: Los Angeles — 77Houston — 65Chicago — 57St. Louis — 47Cincinnati — 44Dallas — 43Kansas City — 40Cleveland — 40San Diego — 35Denver — 34 Dog owners might not realize their animals can attack a postal worker, but there are steps owners can take to ensure the safety of a carrier and that their mail won't be stopped, the USPS said. "Dog bite attacks on postal employees are preventable," Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager, said in the USPS news release, during a promotional week to raise awareness around such incidents. "The best way to keep safe from dog attacks is to recognize and promote the responsibility of pet ownership, such as teaching your dog appropriate behavior and commands and not allowing your dog to roam freely," Theriault said. The USPS recommends securing dogs before the mail carrier arrives, as mail is generally delivered at a similar time every day, or keeping a dog secured on a leash if it is outside when a carrier arrives. It also says children should not take mail directly from a carrier, because the dog may view the person as a threat to the child. A postal worker from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, strongly encourages all dog owners to take precautions. "I was recently delivering mail and a dog barged through a door and bit me on the wrist, which required me to seek medical treatment," Jonah Helfrich said in the USPS news release. Biden makes first public remarks since cancer diagnosis announcement Sean "Diddy" Combs' former assistant alleges he threatened to kill her multiple times No word from Hamas on Israeli-backed ceasefire proposal
Japan Times
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Japan Times
A Canadian made a weekend trip to Costco a Japanese pastime
In the heart of rural Chiba, the Kisarazu Costco branch is doing brisk business. No music plays, but inside the immense warehouse, demonstrations are underway and samples are being handed out. The atmosphere is buzzing. Under the watchful eye of Ken Theriault, Costco representative director and Japan country manager, the American membership-model wholesaler has flourished in Japan. Founded in 1983, Costco is the third-largest global retailer. Japan is its fourth-largest market by store count. Stocking everything from gold bars to toilet paper, fresh fruit to pizza and sushi, it offers Japan something of a unique experience. Theriault works across all aspects of the business. He likes to be on the move and keep staff on their toes. We begin talking at Costco's nearby office, stopping briefly on a floor where bacon-stuffed bread is being measured and sampled. Then we head into the supermarket. As we cut our way through the mega-sized produce, he jokes with staff, inquires about a particular product and spies a tiny piece of trash on the shiny floors and quickly picks it up. He tells an employee to get a broom. With a busy schedule to keep and mounting traffic, Theriault hands me one of Costco's famous inflation-proof ¥180 ($1.20) hot dogs to go — and suggests we continue the interview on the road. As the Costco storefront shrinks in his car's rearview mirror, he talks about how he came to Japan and built the business here. Affable and energetic, Theriault is from a large Canadian family. It was one of his sisters who nudged him toward his current career, suggesting that a smart haircut would help his job prospects. She was tragically killed in a car accident, perhaps a part of why Theriault — who crisscrosses the country to carry out surprise store visits — is such a careful, accommodating driver himself. Over the years, Theriault steadily worked his way up the business, and in 2009 he and his family made the 10,700-kilometer leap from Canada to Japan to lead Costco in the country. 'It was literally seven days a week, 18 hours a day,' he said, recalling the early adrenaline-fueled days. 'To get open was tough, to hire people was tough, but it was a never-give-up attitude. 'Now I sit back and we're going to have our 37th building opening in 26 years, we have 14,000 employees, two depots, e-com. It's pretty good,' he said of the brand's Japan presence. But Theriault is far from complacent, viewing 'everyone' as a competitor because of Costco's range of product categories. Expansion plans are informed by data maps showing car and home ownership, and also a desire not to cannibalize existing stores. The aim is to keep growing. Stocking everything from gold bars to toilet paper, fresh fruit to pizza and sushi, Costco offers Japan something of a unique experience. | Elizabeth Beattie Typically, foreign businesses that thrive in Japan localize heavily, but part of the Costco allure is that it hasn't done so. Instead, it has become a destination — a weekend activity. Theriault says there can be such a thing as too much localization. 'Carrefour came to Japan, but they got a partner. They localized so much that people went there and said, where's all the French wines, where's the French cheeses, where's the French bakery? They just tried to localize too much. They didn't set themselves apart from the competitors,' he said. While Costco took off in Japan in 1999 by blazing its own path, Theriault's ambition since his arrival gave it more fuel. A weekend trip to the wholesaler has now transformed into a Japanese pastime of its own. 'We're like Disneyland' to some members, Theriault said. Timothy Connor, CEO and founder of Japanese market consultancy Synnovate, agrees. 'The aisles are very wide, stock is piled very high, the packages are big. Costco definitely has a wow factor,' he said. Costco in Japan 'feels and smells like America,' Connor said, noting that those with an affinity for modern American casual style are represented among the customers. 'There's a Costco customer profile. It's a family thing; 'Pack the kids into the car and go to Costco for the afternoon,'' he added, noting that food sampling is part of the allure. While Japan boasts the most members per Costco warehouse than anywhere else in the world, consumers in the market tend to shop on budgets, unlike in other markets where hefty shopping bills are frequently charged to credit cards. In fact, there are plenty of Japanese budget-conscious Costco content-generating Facebook groups and YouTubers. There is also a secondary market of Costco resale stores in Japan. The wholesaler's revolving product selection is compatible with the Japan market, where seasonal offers are a staple of the experience. Costco's famous inflation-proof hot dogs cost ¥180 in Japan. | Elizabeth Beattie 'Japanese consumers like change — new and change, that's the Costco way,' Theriault said. 'Every time you come in, it's like a treasure hunt.' The American brand has also extended to business norms. Ambition and a bit of aggression has helped fuel the company's growth in the market, and Theriault has made an effort to retain its international culture in other aspects — joking with customers, and encouraging greater informality from staff. 'Their suit jackets are off, ties are off when we have our meetings and I'm straight to the point. I don't like to go and have a meeting, then another meeting, then another meeting. I don't have time. Let's get it done now — today. Let's come up with a decision,' he said. 'When I came to Japan — I had been here six months — at the opening of the first building, the announcement at the VIP party — the local guy said, 'This is Ken Theriault-san' but we call him the Road Runner,' he recalled with a laugh. 'Says it right on the stage.' But the 'Road Runner' has remained committed to Japan through tough times — including in 2011 when the Great East Japan Earthquake struck the country. At the store's Tamasakai warehouse in western Tokyo, a parking ramp collapsed, trapping two people inside, while aftershocks trembled across the country. Both later died. 'Everyone said, Ken, you stood outside for two days. You didn't go to the bathroom. I don't remember. I was just trying to manage everything,' he said of his experience dealing with the aftermath of the incident. Theriault went to meet with the family of one of the two people who died. They had accused him of killing their mother. 'I said, I'm sorry for what happened,' he said. ''Well, you don't understand loss,' was the family's response.' 'I said, let me tell you a story, when I was 18, I lost my sister in a car accident, so I know what it's like. ... Then all of a sudden (there was recognition) 'oh, you know what it's like to lose a person.'' 'So that was tough,' he said. In the end, the family sued and Costco paid out. But Theriault is incredulous at the notion that he would have left Japan at that time. 'No way. My people are here. I'm going to run and come back? How would I face these people? 'I'm here, I'm in it with you,' he said. To some members, Costco is like Disneyland, Theriault says. | Elizabeth Beattie Costco has disaster response agreements with local prefectures throughout Japan, but local governments are also seeking to entice Costco along with its job opportunities and higher-than-standard wages. Store openings typically generate media coverage and can have knock-on effects for ailing rural economies. Synnovate's Connor said that while there was an argument made sometimes that the American behemoth would put smaller retailers out of business, the net positive for the local economy couldn't be overlooked. 'They're going to come in and they're going to hire a lot of people, and offer good wages. People from the area are going to start working and making more money. When people make more money, what do they do? They spend it,' he said. 'If Costco comes in, it's definitely going to contribute to revitalization in the area,' he added. With there soon to be 37 warehouses across Japan — with the latest one to open in Yamanashi Prefecture in April — that dance has been well established and shows no sign of slowing. And neither does Theriault, who said that after more than 50 years in the retail and wholesale business, it is the love of people that has kept him in the business for so long. Over the years, he's seen businesses and people come and go — some more dramatically than others, such as former Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn, a drinking buddy of his who infamously fled legal charges in Japan for Lebanon. The two shared an appreciation for yakitori at Kushi Waka restaurant in Tokyo. 'My picture is on the wall because I introduced Carlos Ghosn there. Carlos and his family used to go there all the time,' Theriault said of the restaurant, noting that the night Ghosn flew to Japan and was arrested on financial misconduct charges, he had plans to have a meal there. 'That night he had a reservation booked at Kushi Waka. So I laughed with the guys — so he didn't make his booking that night?' Theriault takes a quick call from his wife to discuss their own dinner plans as we draw near Shinagawa Station. His weekend already sounds busy. There's a work trip to the U.S., but he'd like to visit one more store, if he can squeeze it in, before he leaves.
