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by Santaanacanyon on August 4th, 2003

Santaanacanyon

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If my mailman sprays my dog with mace, will it damage my dog's eyes?

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  • by Santaanacanyon on August 4th, 2003

    Santaanacanyon

    First, let's get one thing straight: Mailmen DO NOT USE MACE. It is diluted pepper spray and it is harmless. It does not cause blindness or any other type of injury. It was developed with the assistance of veteranarians who would never have approved its use if it did cause any kind of damage. There is a possibility of damage with the use of mace, which is why the U.S. Postal Service does not use it.

    The pepper spray used is under the brand name of either "Halt" or "Back Off". It causes a stinging sensation in the eyes and nose for a maximum of ten minutes. This is to give the mailman enough time to get away from the dog and to safety. The stinging eventually wears off on its own, though most dogs just wipe it away by rubbing their face in the grass.

    Speaking as one who has had to use this product a few times in my long career as a Postal Carrier, I will also report that it does not work with all breeds. (I'm not going to reveal which ones.)

    In a perfect world, Mailmen would not need to use these products, and dog owners wouldn't become so angered when they do. Sadly, we do not live in a world where all dog owners are responsible with their dogs, and it only takes a few bad apples to spoil the barrel. Even though an owner knows how to "read" his dog, a Mailman cannot always tell if a charging dog is on the attack, or will stop short. If he can, he will hold his satchel out to the dog in hopes the animal will bite it instead. If not, the Mailman has no other means to protect himself but use the spray.
    I can also report that the old joke of the "dog biting the Mailman" is not as funny as it would seem. I have seen some horrific injuries done to my colleagues. Those who purchase specifiic breeds of dog because of their reputation for "stopping power" can certainly appreciate this.
    Finally, be forewarned that if your dog bites your Postman, you will face legal action. Dog bites fall under the category of "on the job injury". That means the Post Office has to report it to Workman's Compensation. With so many bites occurring, the only way the Postal Service can keep its W.C. premiums in check is to counter with lawsuits or out of court settlements.

    Comments

    • wow

      Syphis

      by Syphis on January 20th, 2004

    • Useful to know. When I was a newspaper carrier I could have used this stuff too. Is it avalible to the public I wonder?

      pun_nisher

      by pun_nisher on June 8th, 2004

    • some mailmen won't even deliver to a house if afraid of the dog (my father used to be a mailman).

      QuestionBoy

      by QuestionBoy on February 17th, 2005

    • That's the key responsible dog owners....didn't know it was diluted pepper spray that they use.

      Alatea

      by Alatea on May 2nd, 2006

    • mailman maced my dog. I am not mad, I get it. I am mad that when I went to bring my dog inside, he failed to meintion that he maced her. I was ready to take her to the emergency vet, i had no idea what happen to her eye. I said hello and apologized to the mailman and he didn't even say, yeah...you know the deal, i don't like dogs, but i maced your dog. i would of been okay with that. Anyways...i ran after him and yelled at him. I just think any decent person would have meintion it to me.

      mothra8963

      by mothra8963 on January 13th, 2010

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