Dog attacks stop postal delivery to east Charlotte homes

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A dog attack is stopping the post office from delivering to an east Charlotte neighborhood.

The disruption in service is causing major problems for the elderly and disabled including Bill Smith, a Korean War veteran who said he sacrificed his health serving his country.

"I've had seven cancers," Smith said.

He relies on Veterans Affairs to send his medicine through the mail, but the post office is refusing to deliver to his block.

"I'm a veteran, I can't get out and do things like other people. I sacrificed my body for this country at least they can send my blessed mail to me," he said.

Eyewitness News obtained a copy of the letter the postmaster sent to Smith and his neighbors explaining the disruption is due to a dangerous dog.

It states in part, "We must suspend delivery pending the capture of the dog that bit our mail carrier on February 17, 2016 in your area."

That was more than a month ago.

The postmaster told people on the 3800 and 3900 blocks they have to go to the post office to get their mail. It's nearly four-mile trip and a major hurdle for people like Smith who have a hard time leaving their homes.

Eyewitness News talked to the dog's owner off camera. She said the dog ran away and has not returned. Another neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said she hasn't seen the dog, either.

"We feel like we're fighting, I mean a losing battle," she said.

She said they're frustrated watching carriers deliver to houses around the block.

"I'm like seven to eight houses from where the dog was and they're delivering on the other side two houses and four houses because it's a different carrier," she said.

Smith said he's filed a complaint.

"I hate people to be treated like I am, that's not fair,” he said.

But he's still waiting for answers. And after all he's done, he said he just wants his mail.

"It hurts too much. Please get our mail back," he said.

Smith is able to take himself to the post office but he told Eyewitness News it's difficult because he doesn't always feel well enough to drive and he can't stand on his feet for too long.

He has made numerous phone calls to the postal service and like his other neighbors, is pushing to have delivery service restored

Channel 9 called the postmaster to ask when they will restore delivery service. Eyewitness News is waiting to hear back. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said their investigation into the dog attack is ongoing.

Cox Media Group