Mail dasher incident

The Mail Dasher incident refers to a viral video that surfaced in 2020, showing a mail carrier in the United States, identified as Richard Hatchett, being attacked and injured by a dog while delivering mail in a residential area.

The incident occurred on February 26, 2020, in the town of Westerville, Ohio. Hatchett, a 25-year-old mail carrier, was delivering mail to a residence when a dog, identified as a 2-year-old pitbull mix named Rocky, suddenly attacked him. The dog's owner, identified as 42-year-old Michael Turner, was not present at the time of the incident.

The video, which was captured by a neighbor's security camera, shows Hatchett being bitten and scratched by the dog as he tries to defend himself. The attack was severe enough to require Hatchett to receive medical attention, including stitches and treatment for his injuries.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and concern for the safety of mail carriers, who are often at risk of being attacked by dogs while performing their duties. The United States Postal Service (USPS) issued a statement condemning the attack and urging dog owners to take responsibility for their pets' behavior.

As a result of the incident, Turner was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty and was ordered to pay a fine and complete community service. Rocky, the dog involved in the attack, was also taken into custody by local animal control authorities.

The Mail Dasher incident highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for dog owners to take steps to prevent their pets from attacking others. It also raised awareness about the risks faced by mail carriers and other delivery personnel who are often at the mercy of unpredictable situations while performing their jobs.