Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Dogs Could Cause Postal Delays

Dogs, as everyone knows, are man's best friend.

They make great companions, serve as a defense against burglars in some cases, and in others help put food on the table with their hunting skills.

However, while this is the norm, there are exceptions.

In Gurdon, the number of dogs running loose is astounding, and, in cases, poses a threat to the people of the community.

Dogs, by nature, are pack animals. They, like wolves, follow an alpha male, and will attack what they perceive to be weak and helpless.

Rex Smith, the officer in charge at the Gurdon Post Office, said dogs are a problem to mail carriers.

In many instances, dogs follow the carriers around, creating a nuisance and potential hazard.

Dogs also hang around the post office, especially the back dock where loading and unloading is done, getting in the way. There are times, Smith said, when customers are forced to step over the animals because they refuse to move.

The mail carriers have had dogs snap and snarl at them as they make their rounds as well.

Smith said delivery was stopped to some houses near the old Gurdon High School because of the dog problems in the area. These animals were a threat to the health and safety of the postal workers, along with the community at large.

Because of stray and loose dogs, Smith said, it could come to a point where mail delivery would only be done at curbside instead of door box as is currently done.

"We have to take safety first," he said. "If people have mean dogs that aren't restrained, we don't have to serve their box until the animal is restrained. We never underestimate any dog.

"It is a problem in Gurdon. Whatever the City Council does (for animal control) will be a blessing for safety's sake of the carriers."

The postal workers, he said, do their best to make sure the mail is delivered in a timely manner. But, the threat of dogs can impede this.

In one area of Little Rock, Smith said, the postal workers threatened to quit making door- to-door deliveries unless something was done about the dog problem.

"If all else fails and we have to go to curb service," he said, "we can. It will be a hardship on the elderly and those who can't get out of their house. I trust (the city) will do something to alleviate the problem."

An item to think about if the threat of dogs is so serious postal workers consider going to curb service delivery because of the possibility of being attacked, how will a small child or senior citizen defend themselves if an individual or pack of dogs attack?

Smith himself has dogs. They are on cables and leashes at his home so they can get exercise and remain under control.

Gurdon's City Council, at its next meeting, will hear an animal control ordinance for the third time. If it passes, it could go into effect in 30 days if the emergency clause isn't adopted. If the emergency clause is adopted, it will be effective immediately.

In addition, should the ordinance be approved by the council, there would be fines for those allowing their animals to run loose. The fine could range from $100 to $500, depending on the circumstances.

The animals would also have to have rabies shots and wear tags on collars as proof.

For more information about the ordinance, contact city hall at 353-2514.

To voice an opinion on the matter, contact your city council member.