Community & Business
15 November, 2024
Dogs put posties in peril
AUSTRALIA Post is calling on local councils to adopt stricter measures in response to the alarming number of dog-related incidents involving Posties, with recent data revealing there has been 505 attacks in Queensland within the last six months, making it the most dangerous state in the country to be a Postie.
Nearly 50 Posties a week have fallen victim to dog-related incidents in the past six months across Australia, an average of ten per day, and Australia Post fears these numbers will continue to rise in the lead up to holiday season.
In the past six months, 1,277 dog-related incidents have occurred nationwide, despite the Post’s pleas for dog owners to take responsibility for their pets.
As a result, Australia Post is calling on local councils to enforce restrictions and local animal management laws to ensure the safety of Posties and the community.
The new data highlights a clear and consistent trend of aggressive behaviour, with 1 in 3 dog-related incidents continuing to occur at the customer’s front door during parcel deliveries, increasing the risk to Posties ahead of the very busy upcoming Black Friday sales and Christmas season.
To help mitigate continued threats, all Posties are equipped with a hazard device to log aggressive dog behaviour, with more serious cases alerted to councils.
There are currently more than 29,000 active dog-related hazards nationally, and many are expected to remain unresolved.
“Dog attacks remain one of the highest safety concerns for our people,” Australia Post general manager of safety and wellbeing Rod Maule said.
“As we head into our peak season and delivery volumes increase, there is a serious concern for the physical and mental wellbeing of our Posties, particularly around dogs.
“Aggressive or dangerous dogs are reported to council and local rangers, however too often we see risks are not properly mitigated.
“This often leads to multiple instances of the same dog repeating aggressive behaviour, which can result in a severe attack on our Postie.
“As the holiday season approaches, dog owners need to be mindful that all visitors, including Posties, should have safe access to the front door without being stopped by a dog.
“Dog ownership comes with responsibilities, and we need council support to effectively enforce laws and regulations to ensure the safety of our people,” he said.
