New Safety Horn Deters Dog Attacks

Riviera Beach Letter Carrier Ernie Servant sounded the horn and found it to be effective on his route.

A motorist uses a horn to notify drivers of danger, helping to prevent accidents and keep everyone safe on the road.

A locomotive engineer sounds the horn to warn both the public and railroad employees while in motion.

And a letter carrier uses a horn to deter threatening dogs in the neighborhood, preventing "man's best friend" from attacking and causing pain and suffering.

To date, South Florida delivery personnel have experienced 66 dog bite/attack incidents. Letter Carriers at Jose Marti Station (Miami), Tropical Reef Station (Pompano), Port St. Lucie Post Office, and Riviera Beach Post Office had the most incidents and were selected for the three-month Dog Horn Pilot Program.  

Humane Societies, animal hospitals, and nationally- recognized dog trainers have recommended the dog horn, citing it being excellent as a training/disciplinary tool and for deterring animal attacks.

Riviera Beach Letter Carrier Ernie Servant used the horn when he encountered two dogs on different occasions.

“Both times I sounded the horn, and the dogs turned away and took off,” Servant said.