Dog causing mail problems in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - It's one of the oldest stereotypical rivalries, the mailman versus the neighborhood dog. But no one in a Norfolk neighborhood is getting their mail after the Postal Service says one of its carriers was attacked by a dog.

In a small cul-de-sac off of Noview Avenue you'll find 10 apartments with 10 empty mailboxes hanging next to the door.

"I didn't even know the mailman was bitten," neighbor Laquisha Williams said.

The owner of the dog didn't want to be identified, but she had no problem letting us meet Bubba, a 6-year-old pitbull mix.

"I feel like the mail person is in no danger what so ever," Bubba's owner said. "He's extremely protective, but this not vicious in anyway."

The mailman contacted Norfolk Animal Control who quarantined Bubba for 10 days.

"It surprises me, because when the kids walk by he doesn't bark," Williams added. "He doesn't do anything."

10 On Your Side contacted the Postal Service who said they have the right to halt delivery if the mailman feels unsafe. Now, it's carry out only for residents who now have to go and pick up their letters.

"It is a problem," Williams said. "It's their job is to bring us the mail and to give us our mail so we can have it on time."

"I feel like everything on my part they have asked me to do I've done," the owner added. "They've asked me don't have your dog on the chain unless your outside with him. I did."

Bubba is now an indoor dog. But the boxes next to each door remain empty and that has everyone growling.

"I would like to see the mail come back to my house," Williams said.

Norfolk Animal Control told 10 On Your Side the dog's owner was ticketed because Bubba wasn't up to date on shots. Animal Control added that there have been no other complaints since since they quarantined the dog.