Call to protect posties from dogs

Moreton Bay residents are being urged to take action and protect posties from a growing number of “aggressive and unrestrained” dogs.

Australia Post says Queensland is the second worst state for posties with 273 dog “incidents” in the last six months. NSW was top on 410, Victoria third with 200.

Of those in Queensland, Moreton Bay had 15 reported encounters - five each in Brendale and Burpengary, two in Caboolture and Narangba, one in Ferny Hills.

Across Queensland, Darra was top with posties reporting 87 incidents, Stafford had 17, Toowoomba 12, Maryborough and Townsville nine.

Nationally, figures show an average nine incidents a day, almost two-thirds on the street after a dog escapes from a property. One-in-three times a postie is chased.

Australia Post says more than a third of these incidents take place on a customer’s property, often as a postie approaches or leaves the front door.

Posties have suffered bites, puncture wounds, scratches and lacerations, been knocked off their vehicles or needing hospital treatment.

Australia Post General Manager Safety, Russell Munro said: “It’s worrying to see the number of incidents increasing”.

“What seems like a routine delivery can quickly escalate. Our Posties can’t predict how a dog may react, regardless of breed or temperament.

“With 9.8 million Aussies shopping online, deliveries and interactions at the front door are more frequent, creating highly stressful situations for dogs and increasing risks for our team.”

One year ago citronella spray was introduced as a last-line-of-defence for posties.

The non-toxic, water-based spray briefly distracts dogs, giving posties time to move away. It has proved effective in 95 per cent of cases in the last six months.

However, Mr Munro says prevention is the best solution and asks, if a delivery is expected, keep a dog “securely contained in a room, behind a locked gate or safely restrained”.

“If you’re unable to do so, we encourage customers to consider using a 24/7 free and convenient Parcel Locker as a safer alternative,” said Mr Munro.

Australia Post reports all dog-related incidents to local councils to support enforcement and reduce risk. Deliveries may be suspended to a property or street where it is unsafe.