Australia Post is pleading with pet owners after new data revealed an increase in posties being attacked by dogs. The national postal service said the alarming rate of dog attacks experienced by its delivery workers shows the problem is only getting worse.
Rising Incidents Across the Nation
More than 1200 dog-related incidents were reported nationwide in the past six months, a 5 per cent increase on the same period last year, according to data collected by Australia Post.
"Posties encounter multiple dogs every day while delivering, and some can pose a real safety risk," Australia Post General Manager of Safety Russell Munro said. "What seems like a routine delivery can quickly escalate, and our posties can't predict how a dog may react, regardless of breed or temperament."
New South Wales is the worst state for dog-related incidents involving posties, accounting for more than a third of all cases. Australia Post said almost two-thirds of incidents happen on a street after a dog escapes a property or is roaming freely.
Impact of Online Shopping Surge
"Our posties are working hard to deliver parcels safely and on time, and it's worrying to see the number of incidents increasing," Munro said. "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 the risk for our team."
Munro said despite repeated warnings, the majority of incidents occur when dogs are not properly secured at the time deliveries are made, with almost two-thirds of incidents happening on the street after a dog escapes a property or is roaming freely. A third of the incidents involved posties being chased down the street.
Delivery Suspensions and Injuries
Due to the large number of attacks, Australia Post said if a property or street has been deemed unsafe, they hold the right to suspend all deliveries to it.
Munro said posties have suffered multiple injuries including bites, puncture wounds, scratches and lacerations during dog attacks. In more serious cases, posties have been knocked off their bikes and needed hospitalisation.
State and Territory Breakdown
Total number and suburbs where most attacks have occurred in each state and territory between November 2025 and May 17, 2026:
- New South Wales (410) – Tamworth, Moree, Penrith and Ingleburn
- Queensland (273) – Darra, Stafford and Toowoomba
- Victoria (200) – Belgrave, Sunshine West and Essendon Fields
- Western Australia (193) – Rockingham, Wangara, Bunbury and Joondalup
- South Australia (71) – Glynde, Camden Park and Port Pirie
- Tasmania (42) – Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, Kingston and Ulverstone
- Northern Territory (13) – Eaton, Palmerston, Darwin and Katherine
- Australian Capital Territory (9) – Mitchell, Canberra South and Tuggeranong
Prevention Measures
Last year, Australia Post armed post officers with citronella spray as a "last-line-of-defence measure." The non-toxic spray gives posties time to get away without injuring the animal, with data showing it has proven effective in 95 per cent of cases in the past six months.
"While citronella gives our team members an extra layer of protection, prevention remains the most effective solution," Munro said. "If you're expecting a delivery, make sure your dog is securely contained in another 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."
