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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Dog bites among Utah letter carriers are on the rise -- and it's a trend the U-S Postal Service considers alarming.
According to the U-S Postal Service, 45 Utah carriers were bitten by dog last year. So far this year, the dog bite count is already up to 25.
U-S-P-S District Manager Ken McArthur says they're seeing a big increase in dog attacks this year, and it's only March.
Twelve of the incidents were in the Salt Lake area, and the rest were spread around the state. According to the Postal Service, eight of this year's dog bites required medical attention beyond first aid.
The U-S Humane Society says there's no way to bite-proof a dog. However, owners can reduce the risk by having their dogs spayed or neutered, socializing and training them and teaching them appropriate behavior.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
