AUSTRALIA POST’S STARK WARNING TO RESIDENTS AMID DANGEROUS NATIONWIDE TREND: ‘FAR TOO MANY CASES’

Australia Post has issued a stark warning to pet owners as postal workers continue to face attacks from dogs. The service says it will suspend deliveries to properties and streets where a postie has been injured or threatened by an aggressive dog.

On average, 46 postal workers a week—about nine per day—experience dog-related incidents nationwide. Shocking images highlight the injuries some posties have suffered while on their delivery routes.

In the past six months alone, there have been more than 1,190 dog-related incidents, and concerns are rising that numbers could climb further with the busy Black Friday and Christmas delivery period approaching.

“Our posties want to deliver for our customers without fear of being attacked or chased by a dog,” said Russell Munro, Australia Post General Manager of Safety. “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-resort safety measure. Over the past six months, it has proven effective in 90% of cases, deterring dogs and giving postal workers crucial time to reach safety.

Despite these measures, Munro said aggressive dog behaviour remains a serious concern. “We’re still seeing far too many incidents and unfortunately can’t prevent all of them from occurring,” he added.

To help, Australia Post’s app now provides up-to-date delivery times along with reminders to secure pets in another room or behind a gate when a parcel is expected.

All dog-related incidents are reported to local councils to ensure enforcement and reduce future risks.

Sobering statistics on dog attacks across the country

New South Wales has now overtaken Queensland as the state with the highest number of dog-related incidents in the country.

Data shows that around one in three incidents occur on customer properties, typically at the front door or as a postie approaches or leaves.

The majority—62%—happen on the street, with over 80% involving dogs that have escaped or are roaming freely.

In one-third of these street incidents, posties were chased by dogs, underscoring the real and immediate risks faced by frontline delivery workers.

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.