Posties Under Siege: Dog Attacks Surge Across Australia

Australia Post workers are facing a growing threat from dog attacks, with alarming figures revealing a significant increase in incidents nationwide. As the busy Christmas season approaches, the postal service is urging dog owners to take greater responsibility for securing their pets to ensure the safety of frontline staff.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 1200 dog-related incidents involving postal workers occurred in the last six months, averaging nine per day.
• Attacks are expected to rise during the peak Christmas delivery period.
• Australia Post is implementing safety measures, including citronella spray, and may suspend deliveries to properties with aggressive dogs.

The Alarming Rise in Dog Incidents

Australia Post has reported a concerning surge in dog-related incidents affecting its postal workers. In the past six months alone, approximately 1200 such incidents have been recorded across the country, equating to an average of nine postal workers being bitten or threatened by dogs each day. This figure is expected to climb as the demand for parcel deliveries intensifies with the approaching Christmas season.

Where and How Attacks Occur

Analysis of the incidents reveals that one in three attacks happens on a customer's property, often when postal workers are approaching or leaving a front door. A further 62% of incidents occur on the street, with a significant majority (over 80%) involving dogs that have escaped their property or are roaming without an owner. Alarmingly, one in three street-based incidents results in a postal worker being chased by a dog.

Safety Measures and Owner Responsibility

In response to the escalating danger, Australia Post has equipped its staff with citronella spray, a measure that has proven effective in deterring dogs in approximately 90% of cases, allowing postal workers to escape safely. However, the organisation stresses that the primary solution lies with dog owners. Australia Post is urging all owners, regardless of their dog's breed or temperament, to ensure their pets are securely contained when deliveries are expected. Simple steps like the "PAWS" initiative – Sit, Stay, and Secure – are recommended. If owners are unable to secure their pets, using a nearby Parcel Locker is suggested as an alternative.

Consequences for Unsecured Dogs

Australia Post has stated that deliveries to properties or even entire streets may be suspended if a postal worker is threatened or injured by an aggressive dog. All reported dog-related incidents are also being forwarded to local councils for enforcement and risk mitigation.

State-by-State Breakdown

New South Wales has recorded the highest number of incidents with 342 cases, followed by Queensland with 325. Western Australia reported 188 incidents, while Victoria saw 179. South Australia had 80 cases, and Tasmania recorded 38. Both the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory reported 21 incidents each.

Sources

• Postie dog attacks on the rise | The Canberra Times, The Canberra Times.
• Dog incidents surge: Bendigo posties on high alert | Bendigo Advertiser, Bendigo Advertiser.
• Postie dog attacks on the rise | The Examiner, The Examiner.
• Postie dog attacks on the rise | The Border Mail, The Border Mail.
• Australia Post reveals shocking dog attack figures on workers, News.com.au.