Dog allegedly pepper-sprayed by USPS mail carrier in Kearns

Update 06/17/2025: The USPS issued the following statement to ABC4.com:

“We are aware of a dog being sprayed on a delivery route in Kearns. The Postal Service looked into the incident and determined the carrier used the dog spray when the dog charged the gate by the mailbox. Our carriers are equipped with plant-based repellent for their protection and are always instructed to only use the deterrent with great discretion. In this case, the carrier used the spray when the fence did not appear to be secure enough to keep the dog inside.”

KEARNS, Utah (ABC4) — A Kearns family is speaking out after a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier pepper-sprayed their dog who was behind an enclosed fence.

Devin and Annie Brockmeier say they had to plead with the mail carrier for answers after she allegedly pepper-sprayed their dog, Goro, on Friday, June 13, outside their home in Kearns. The Brockmeiers say Goro was also showing signs of being sprayed the day before.

“He was a mess for 12 hours [afterwards] and we had no idea what was wrong with him, and it was very scary,” Devin Brockmeier told ABC4.com.

A USPS mail carrier pepper-sprayed local Kearns dog, Goro, during an alleged altercation (Courtesy: Devin Brockmeier)

The Brockmeiers say that their dog Goro, named after a character from Mortal Kombat, is only allowed outside because he is such a well-behaved dog. They say their other dog is much louder and is consequently locked inside most of the time.

“We’re very aware of how our dogs behave… you can ask any of my neighbors, my dogs do not bark outside,” Devin Brockmeier said.

The Brockmeiers say the unknown postal worker was outside of the yard when she pepper-sprayed Goro, who was behind a chain-linked fence.

“The fact that she was done interacting with our yard and like turned around to spray him—that’s what we’re mad about,” Annie Brockmeier told ABC4.com.

Devin says he had to ask the carrier three times what she used to spray Goro before getting a response. The carrier admitted to pepper-spraying Goro, and cited self-defense as her reasoning.

According to USPS data, incidents involving alleged dog attacks on postal service employees rose to more than 6,000 cases last year. In Utah, the USPS reports that 55 Utah postal employees were attacked by dogs last year.

“Dogs may attack not only to defend their territory, but also when they feel startled, anxious or unwell. It’s not just about bad or aggressive dogs — it’s about unpredictable moments,” the USPS said in a press release highlighting June as Dog Bite Awareness Month.

The Brockmeiers were unable to catch the name of the carrier but have put in a complaint to the U.S. Postal Service and hope to receive a response in two to three days.

According to the Brockmeiers, Goro reacted to the effects of the pepper spray for over 12 hours afterward. “He wouldn’t stop smacking his lips,” Devin said, adding that he also drooled profusely.

The Brockmeiers called an emergency veterinarian who told them Goro likely had something stuck in his throat. “By the time he went to bed, his entire chin was soaking, dripping, wet.” Devin told ABC4.com.

Goro’s symptoms have since passed and the Brockmeiers say he is feeling much better.

ABC4.com reached out to the USPS about the incident but has yet to receive a response.