UPDATE: Australia Post has issued an urgent warning as an alarming average of nine postal workers are attacked by dogs every day across Australia. The surge in dog-related incidents, which has reached over 1,190 cases in just the past six months, comes as delivery volumes are set to spike during the busy Christmas season.
The stark warning from Australia Post highlights the critical need for dog owners to secure their pets, especially as delivery personnel face heightened risks during peak times. Russell Munro, the general manager of safety at Australia Post, stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership. “Our posties want to deliver for our customers without fear of being attacked or chased by a dog,” Munro stated.
Data reveals that one in three of these incidents occurs on customer property—either at the front door or while the postal worker approaches or leaves to deliver a parcel. Additionally, 62 percent of the attacks happen on the street, with more than 80 percent involving dogs that are roaming freely or have escaped their homes.
Authorities are increasingly concerned that as the holiday season approaches, these numbers could rise further. Munro emphasized, “While the rollout of citronella spray has helped in many situations, we’re still seeing far too many cases of aggressive dog behavior.” This spray has proven effective in 90 percent of incidents where it has been deployed.
The Australia Post team recommends that pet owners keep their dogs securely contained in a separate room, behind a locked gate, or in an area where they can stay safely during deliveries. Residents are also encouraged to utilize the Australia Post app for real-time updates on delivery times or consider using a parcel locker to minimize the need for direct contact with delivery personnel.
For more information and tips on how to secure your dog during delivery times, visit auspost.com.au. With the Christmas shopping season rapidly approaching, taking these precautions can help ensure the safety of both postal workers and pets alike.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Australia Post continues to monitor the situation closely.
