Australia Post plea after increase in dog attacks
Source: Australia Post
More than 55 posties a week are being attacked by dogs while on the job, sparking calls for dog owners to call their hounds to heel.
Australia Post said there had been an alarming 11 dog-related incidents a day in the past six months.
Queensland remains the state with the most incidents with 466 in the past six months. It is followed by NSW with 408 and Western Australia with 215.
While no single dog breed is more likely to attack than another, Australia Post said smaller dogs were the most aggressive.
Australia Post safety and wellbeing general manager Rod Maule urged dog owners to take responsibility for their pets.
“Our team members just want to be able to deliver for our customers, without being attacked, harassed, or chased by dogs,” Maule said on Monday.
“Posties will not make a delivery if it is unsafe for them to do so and will cease deliveries to a customer’s home until the danger is fixed.”
Australia Post data has found that half of all incidents happen on customers’ properties, with almost a third at front doors.
Of particular concern are dog bites during letter deliveries, with 15 per cent of incidents coming when a postie puts mail in a letterbox.
Australia Post also reports dog-related incidents to relevant local councils to ensure there is enforcement.
– AAP