Australia Post has issued a stark warning to Aussie residents as posties continue to suffer at the hands of dogs. The postal service said it will stop deliveries on properties and streets where a Postie is injured or threatened by an aggressive dog.
It comes as 46 Posties a week are falling victim to dog-related incidents across the country, an average of nine per day. Shocking images show the extent of injuries inflicted on Posties on their delivery routes.
Over the past six months, more than 1,190 dog-related incidents have taken place, with fears growing that they will rise as deliveries surge during the busy Black Friday and Christmas period.
That is, despite repeated pleas for Aussies to secure their pets.
“Our Posties want to be able to deliver for our customers without fear of being attacked or chased by a dog,” Australia Post General Manager Safety, Russell Munro said.
“Regardless of breed or temperament, we urge all owners to keep their dogs safely contained when expecting deliveries.”
Earlier this year, Posties were equipped with citronella spray as a last line of defence safety measure. And in the past six months, the deterrent has been effective in 90 per cent of cases, causing dogs to retreat and giving Posties crucial time to get to safety.
Despite that, Munro said “we’re still seeing far too many cases of aggressive dog behaviour and unfortunately can’t prevent all incidents from occurring.”
Cases have again been rising over the past six months.
“If you’re expecting a parcel delivery, our app makes it easy to stay informed with up-to-date delivery times and now displays a timely reminder to secure your dog in another room or behind a gate,” Munro said.
Australia Post reports all dog-related incidents to local councils to ensure proper enforcement is undertaken and the risk is mitigated.
Have you been impacted by a dog attack? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com
Australia Post has released shocking footage of Postie’s being attacked at work. Source: Australia Post
Australia Post makes big move after alarming increase in attacks. Source: Australia Post
Sobering statistics on dog attacks across the country
New South Wales has taken over Queensland as the worst-affected state in the country for dog-related incidents.
Data suggests that one in three incidents takes place on customer property —with all occurring either at the front door, or when the Postie is approaching or leaving the property.
62 per cent of incidents take place on the street, with more than 80 per cent involving a dog escaping a property or roaming freely.
One in three street incidents involved a Postie being chased by a dog, highlighting the real and immediate danger faced by frontline team members.
Where are the highest numbers of incidents in Australia?
1. New South Wales (342) – Penrith, Warabrook, Villawood and Moree
2. Queensland (325) – Darra, Stafford, Toowoomba
3. Western Australia (188) – Wangara, Rockingham, Bentley and Bunbury
4. Victoria (179) – Mooroolbark, Sunshine West, Essendon Fields
5. South Australia (80) – Glynde, Port Adelaide, Gawler
6. Tasmania (38) – Launceston, Western Shore, Devonport
7. Northern Territory (21) – Darwin, Eaton, Alice Springs and Palmerston
8. Australian Capital Territory (21) – Canberra South, Mitchell, Tuggeranong
How to prevent your dog from attacking
Australia Post advises that dog owners follow best practice to prevent dog attacks:
Sit your dog safely in a contained place, a separate room, or behind a locked gate at the back of the home when expecting a delivery.
Make sure it’s somewhere the dog can stay while your Postie delivers your parcel.
Keep your dog secure behind your door or gate, allowing the Postie safe access to make the delivery and leave the property.
If you are unable to properly secure your dog, consider using your nearest Parcel Locker.
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