Dog attacks on postal workers and delivery drivers are rising sharply, prompting Australia Post to urge owners to secure their pets. On an average workday, five team members are involved in dog incidents. More than 1,100 incidents have been recorded this financial year, nearly 400 times more than the same period last year.
Australia Post Group CEO Paul Graham said posties suffer ongoing trauma and anxiety from injuries sustained in attacks. Experienced motorcycle postie Tony Gadsby was recently bitten while delivering a parcel. 'I'm a bit more wary, and that's hard for me because I love dogs, but you just have to treat them all as a potential danger,' he said.
Postal delivery officer Ozan Aytac noted that dogs can be unpredictable even without a history of aggression. 'People generally think that because the dog has never bitten them, they won't bite strangers,' he said. Animal behaviour specialist Dr Gabrielle Carter from RSPCA Victoria said territorial behaviour is normal and that management, not just training, is key to preventing incidents.
Dr Carter advised keeping dogs away from the yard and front fence, explaining that fear drives territorial behaviour, which is reinforced when dogs bark and posties leave. She suggested posties throwing treats could help reduce fear. Gadsby emphasised that owners must understand delivery people are visiting front doors more often due to rising parcel volumes.
While attacks occur at front doors, letterboxes, and front yards, about half happen on footpaths or roads. Australia Post says the campaign aims to protect both dogs and employees. Graham urged owners to keep dogs tied up in a secure area when expecting a delivery.
