California Mailman Freaks Out Over Friendly, Unleashed Dog, Pepper Sprays Owner As Dog Sits Calmly

A routine mail delivery in Fresno spiralled into a heated street confrontation after a United States Postal Service worker was filmed pepper-spraying a man whose dog, despite being off leash, appeared calm and non-threatening.

The dramatic incident, captured on video and now circulating widely on social media, shows the mail carrier confronting a man who was walking two dogs, one of which was not on a leash. The carrier can be heard warning that the loose dog posed a danger and saying he was acting to protect himself.

However, the footage appears to tell a more complicated story. When the dog’s owner instructs the unleashed animal to sit, the dog immediately complies and remains seated, showing no signs of aggression. Even as tensions rise, the dog stays perfectly still.

Despite this, the situation quickly escalates. The mail carrier pulls out pepper spray as the argument continues. When the dog owner runs toward him, the carrier discharges the spray directly into the man’s face. The video shows the man recoiling in pain, while the unleashed dog remains seated beside him, unmoving, even as its owner is sprayed.

Police later cited the man for misdemeanor fighting. Authorities confirmed they are investigating the incident and reviewing the footage to determine whether any further action is necessary.

The episode has ignited fierce debate online. Critics argue the use of pepper spray was excessive given the dog’s calm behaviour and obedience, while others have defended the mail carrier, pointing out that postal workers are trained to treat loose dogs as potential threats and are authorised to carry pepper spray due to frequent dog attacks on delivery routes.

The USPS has not yet commented publicly on the incident. As the investigation continues, the viral video has left many questioning whether the confrontation could have been avoided and whether the response matched the reality of the threat.