Mail carrier hospitalized after pitbull attack in Miami

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Miami-Dade Animal Control officers are investigating a pitbull attack on a mail carrier in a neighborhood off Douglas Road.

Coral Gables Hospital is treating Georgina Pacheco for her injuries after the pitbull jumped on her as she tried delivering the mail to a home the area of Southwest 36th Avenue and 24th Terrace, Wednesday afternoon.

Police said the dog ran out of the home where she had planned to drop off the mail. Animal Services confiscated the dog later in the day to be put down, as pitbulls are illegal in Miami-Dade County. "The Dade County ordinance is pretty clear that you cannot maintain, purchase, harbor or have in your possession a pitbull in Dade County," said Miami Police Officer Jeff Giordano.

Pacheco worked the mail route off Douglas Road, in the Shenandoah neighborhood. Police said the dog pounced on her and bit her twice, once on the hand and another time on her chest. The hospital has reported her condition as "stable," though the wound to her hand was described as "severe."

Miami Fire Rescue, police and animal services all appeared on the scene, which occurred within the property of the home and left a blood trail on the sidewalk. "The attack appeared to have happened on the property and carried over into the sidewalk," said Giordano.

Pacheco has been working the route for three years and, according to one neighbor, was no stranger to the jaws of a dog. "This is the second time that she has got bit on this block," said a woman who was not identified.

The U.S. Postal Service released a statement that said safety is their top priority and all carriers are trained to deal with dogs and have mace on them in case of an attack.

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