Australia Post delivery workers are facing an escalating safety crisis as dog attacks and incidents reach alarming levels across the country, with new data revealing posties experience 46 dog-related incidents weekly.
Close calls and citronella defence
Canberra postie Matt Maynard, 26, knows the constant threat all too well. Armed with citronella spray as his last line of defence, the motorcycle delivery rider has experienced multiple close calls while delivering parcels and letters across south Canberra and Queanbeyan since 2021.
"I rattle the gate and see if there's any dog in the backyard. I also look for things like dog bowl or dog toys before entering the property," Mr Maynard explained about his cautious approach to each delivery.
The dog lover, who owns a six-year-old Kelpie at home, vividly recalls his first frightening encounter with an aggressive German shepherd in Weston during 2021.
"I was delivering the parcel and next thing I hear is this barking getting closer and closer. This dog managed to escape from inside, jumped the gate and chased me down the street," he recounted of the incident that occurred while covering for a sick colleague.
National crisis with local hotspots
Australia Post statistics paint a concerning national picture, with more than 190 dog-related incidents recorded across the country in the past six months alone. The data shows an average of nine incidents occur daily, putting postal workers at regular risk.
In the ACT specifically, 21 dog-related incidents have been reported this year, with Mitchell and Tuggeranong identified as particular hotspots for aggressive dog encounters.
The timing of these statistics raises additional concerns as the Christmas season approaches, traditionally bringing a massive surge in parcel deliveries that increases posties' exposure to potential dog threats.
Protection protocols and painful consequences
Australia Post has implemented several safety measures to protect its workers, including maintaining detailed dog registers at all distribution centres. These registers record properties with aggressive dogs and are regularly reviewed.
Posties also carry handheld electronic devices containing hazard lists for specific suburbs, which identify properties with dogs, other dangerous pets, magpies, and even aggressive customers.
Despite these precautions, serious incidents continue to occur. Several months ago, a senior postie delivering to a Gordon property required hospital treatment, stitches, and time off work after being viciously attacked by a dog.
Australia Post has stated it will cease deliveries to properties or entire streets where posties are threatened or injured by aggressive dogs. The organization has previously barred delivery access for unruly customers, though no specific data is available for ACT residents who have faced this consequence.
The citronella spray carried by posties like Mr Maynard has proven effective in 90 percent of dog-related incidents, according to Australia Post. However, dog-loving delivery workers hope they never need to use this deterrent, preferring that pet owners simply secure their animals properly.
As the festive delivery period intensifies, Australia Post is urging all pet owners to ensure their dogs are safely contained, protecting both the animals and the essential workers bringing parcels to Australian doorsteps.
