It’s the busiest time of the year for posties all over the world.

As the holiday season approaches and the number of parcels being sent increases, Australia Post issued a stern warning to pet owners following a significant increase in dog attacks on postal workers.

The surge in incidents has raised concerns about the safety of posties, who are now facing a higher risk of injury during their daily rounds.

Every week, more than 50 postal workers across Australia are reportedly subjected to dog attacks, with Queensland and New South Wales witnessing the most significant rise in incidents.

The suburbs of Tamworth, Nepean, and Alexandria in NSW, Stafford and Darra in Queensland, and Rockingham in Western Australia have been identified as the hotspots for dog-related incidents on a national scale.

Dog attack incidents on posties have risen. Image source: Freepik.

Queensland recorded the highest number of attacks at 321, closely followed by NSW with 306 incidents.

WA reported 177 dog-related incidents, while Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania recorded 103, 68, 9, and 5 incidents respectively.

In light of these alarming figures, Australia Post urges pet owners to ensure their dogs are securely contained, especially during delivery hours.

Rod Maule, Australia Post's General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, emphasised that most attacks occur at the front door when posties attempt to deliver packages.

'It takes just a second to secure your dog in another room, and it makes the world of difference to our team members,' Maule said.

'This is our busiest time of year, in fact, in all metro capitals and some regional cities and towns we are now delivering up to seven days a week, so it’s more important than ever to keep dogs secure.'

'We know our customers are eager to get their deliveries. However, our team’s safety comes first and if it’s not safe for our posties to approach a home, then they won’t be able to deliver.'

Australia Post is committed to ensuring the safety of its employees and has implemented several preventative measures to reduce dog attacks.

These include a digital hazard tracker that allows posties to log the location of a dangerous dog, alerting other staff members and enabling them to either avoid the house or exercise extra caution during delivery.

Animal behaviour veterinarian Dr Tracey Henderson explained that environmental changes, such as increased home activity due to deliveries, guests, and last-minute maintenance, can trigger fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.

This heightened emotional state can lead to an increased risk of aggression, bites, and attacks.

'When cortisol levels are elevated, dogs find it hard to regulate their response to things that threaten or frighten them, which in turn can result in an increased risk of aggression, bites and attacks,' Henderson explained.

'Even dogs that are ordinarily calm, friendly or welcoming can show uncharacteristically protective or aggressive behaviours when experiencing prolonged periods of stress.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian posties are experiencing a sharp increase in dog attacks during deliveries, with over 50 attacks recorded each week.
• Queensland and NSW have recorded the largest increases in dog attacks, with Stafford and Darra in Queensland and Tamworth, Nepean and Alexandria in NSW having the highest number of incidents nationwide.
• Australia Post requested that pet owners ensure their dogs are secure, with the General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing Rod Maule stating that if it's not safe for their posties to approach a home, they won't be able to deliver.
• Several preventative measures have been implemented to reduce dog attacks, including a digital hazard tracker that allows posties to log a dangerous dog's location, enabling staff to avoid the house or take extra care.

What are your thoughts on this warning from Australia Post, dear members? Let us know in the comments below.

 

[Big G]

If dog owners are going to fence their yard to accommodate dogs, they should also be prepared to provide a safe access area for posties, meter readers, and anybody else who has a valid reason to enter the property. It could be as simple as fencing off a small corner of the yard where the water meter is already located to include a letterbox and parcel drop-off, plus ensure the power meter is a new 'smart' meter that doesn't require direct access; possibly could even include a doorbell/intercom for if the owner needs to be contacted directly. None of that is a big cost.

We have just had a new water meter installed which is read "remotely" by a passing officer, electronically, and our electricity has been "remotely" read for a while. Dunno about the gas....

 

[Big G]

Posties should carry pepper spray..... that would work

So long as it is deployed in time from a safe distance...

 

[Spyke]

It’s the busiest time of the year for posties all over the world.

As the holiday season approaches and the number of parcels being sent increases, Australia Post issued a stern warning to pet owners following a significant increase in dog attacks on postal workers.

The surge in incidents has raised concerns about the safety of posties, who are now facing a higher risk of injury during their daily rounds.

Every week, more than 50 postal workers across Australia are reportedly subjected to dog attacks, with Queensland and New South Wales witnessing the most significant rise in incidents.

The suburbs of Tamworth, Nepean, and Alexandria in NSW, Stafford and Darra in Queensland, and Rockingham in Western Australia have been identified as the hotspots for dog-related incidents on a national scale.

View attachment 36127

Dog attack incidents on posties have risen. Image source: Freepik.

Queensland recorded the highest number of attacks at 321, closely followed by NSW with 306 incidents.

WA reported 177 dog-related incidents, while Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania recorded 103, 68, 9, and 5 incidents respectively.

In light of these alarming figures, Australia Post urges pet owners to ensure their dogs are securely contained, especially during delivery hours.

Rod Maule, Australia Post's General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, emphasised that most attacks occur at the front door when posties attempt to deliver packages.

'It takes just a second to secure your dog in another room, and it makes the world of difference to our team members,' Maule said.

'This is our busiest time of year, in fact, in all metro capitals and some regional cities and towns we are now delivering up to seven days a week, so it’s more important than ever to keep dogs secure.'

'We know our customers are eager to get their deliveries. However, our team’s safety comes first and if it’s not safe for our posties to approach a home, then they won’t be able to deliver.'

Australia Post is committed to ensuring the safety of its employees and has implemented several preventative measures to reduce dog attacks.

These include a digital hazard tracker that allows posties to log the location of a dangerous dog, alerting other staff members and enabling them to either avoid the house or exercise extra caution during delivery.

Animal behaviour veterinarian Dr Tracey Henderson explained that environmental changes, such as increased home activity due to deliveries, guests, and last-minute maintenance, can trigger fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.

This heightened emotional state can lead to an increased risk of aggression, bites, and attacks.

'When cortisol levels are elevated, dogs find it hard to regulate their response to things that threaten or frighten them, which in turn can result in an increased risk of aggression, bites and attacks,' Henderson explained.

'Even dogs that are ordinarily calm, friendly or welcoming can show uncharacteristically protective or aggressive behaviours when experiencing prolonged periods of stress.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian posties are experiencing a sharp increase in dog attacks during deliveries, with over 50 attacks recorded each week.
• Queensland and NSW have recorded the largest increases in dog attacks, with Stafford and Darra in Queensland and Tamworth, Nepean and Alexandria in NSW having the highest number of incidents nationwide.
• Australia Post requested that pet owners ensure their dogs are secure, with the General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing Rod Maule stating that if it's not safe for their posties to approach a home, they won't be able to deliver.
• Several preventative measures have been implemented to reduce dog attacks, including a digital hazard tracker that allows posties to log a dangerous dog's location, enabling staff to avoid the house or take extra care.

What are your thoughts on this warning from Australia Post, dear members? Let us know in the comments below.

I work for Startrack now - owned by AP - 16yrs so far. These are true facts, Not to mention posties being hit by cars backing out of driveways, or not seeing them on the road. It's a tough life out there and is rated the number 1 most dangerous job in Australia. I have been knocked off the bike many times and chased by vicious dogs on the loose, my colleages, too many of them, have been bitten.

Also as a supervisor of couriers in vans.. have seen my drivers attacked by the public for reasons like asking for a signature - which the sender pays for. Abuse from customers also. Several drivers affected by theft, and the lists goes on.

It really is the most thankless job, and the haters unite (check the facebook aus post complaints page), they have little idea what our posties and drivers do each day. Posties are up at the crack of dawn sorting their round, they have genuine concern for their neighbourhoods and customers, (many have saved lives of the elderly), driver also up at stupid o'clock - and all working long days to get our mail to us.

Please don't make this another hate thread.. if you have a complaint call aus post I'm just here to say how it really is.

 

[windyweather]

Council should vet the people wanting dogs so as to rule them out,our council is now going to drop the mandate to desex dogs ,and their excuse they will have to pay higher registration ,this is not going to stop the irresponsible ones bringing dogs into the neighbourhood.

Yes Leenie, i agree with you, --iv`e always said and always will that people- if they are not registered breeders
they need to be fined heavily for not having their dog`s --or cats desexed.

 

[Mika in the van]

There would be no need for nasty notes as you say if the the owners controlled their barkers , it is a last resort for victims of bark,in g dogs , and no I’m not one who does that , I have been abused by barking dog owners just for asking them to control their barking dogs,and have had police intervention to stop their abuse.as for irresponsible cat owners that’s another story. I have spent most of my life caring for animals and am appalled how people get away with how animals are treated.

I agree with you. We lived country but in summer on warm nights we still had to keep the window shut as our neighbors 2 big dogs barked all night. She needed hearing aids so never heard them! I sent her several messages saying it was 12:30 am- Dogs barking. 1:30 am dogs still barking, 2:30 am dogs still barking. Yet I was the one that copped the abuse!

 

[Leenie]

I agree with you. We lived country but in summer on warm nights we still had to keep the window shut as our neighbors 2 big dogs barked all night. She needed hearing aids so never heard them! I sent her several messages saying it was 12:30 am- Dogs barking. 1:30 am dogs still barking, 2:30 am dogs still barking. Yet I was the one that copped the abuse!

You will find most of the owners of barking dogs,always deny its their dog causing the problems,always some one else’s dog, and you have gutless councils doing nothing to fix the problem.

 

[Tipsy]

It’s the busiest time of the year for posties all over the world.

As the holiday season approaches and the number of parcels being sent increases, Australia Post issued a stern warning to pet owners following a significant increase in dog attacks on postal workers.

The surge in incidents has raised concerns about the safety of posties, who are now facing a higher risk of injury during their daily rounds.

Every week, more than 50 postal workers across Australia are reportedly subjected to dog attacks, with Queensland and New South Wales witnessing the most significant rise in incidents.

The suburbs of Tamworth, Nepean, and Alexandria in NSW, Stafford and Darra in Queensland, and Rockingham in Western Australia have been identified as the hotspots for dog-related incidents on a national scale.

View attachment 36127

Dog attack incidents on posties have risen. Image source: Freepik.

Queensland recorded the highest number of attacks at 321, closely followed by NSW with 306 incidents.

WA reported 177 dog-related incidents, while Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania recorded 103, 68, 9, and 5 incidents respectively.

In light of these alarming figures, Australia Post urges pet owners to ensure their dogs are securely contained, especially during delivery hours.

Rod Maule, Australia Post's General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, emphasised that most attacks occur at the front door when posties attempt to deliver packages.

'It takes just a second to secure your dog in another room, and it makes the world of difference to our team members,' Maule said.

'This is our busiest time of year, in fact, in all metro capitals and some regional cities and towns we are now delivering up to seven days a week, so it’s more important than ever to keep dogs secure.'

'We know our customers are eager to get their deliveries. However, our team’s safety comes first and if it’s not safe for our posties to approach a home, then they won’t be able to deliver.'

Australia Post is committed to ensuring the safety of its employees and has implemented several preventative measures to reduce dog attacks.

These include a digital hazard tracker that allows posties to log the location of a dangerous dog, alerting other staff members and enabling them to either avoid the house or exercise extra caution during delivery.

Animal behaviour veterinarian Dr Tracey Henderson explained that environmental changes, such as increased home activity due to deliveries, guests, and last-minute maintenance, can trigger fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.

This heightened emotional state can lead to an increased risk of aggression, bites, and attacks.

'When cortisol levels are elevated, dogs find it hard to regulate their response to things that threaten or frighten them, which in turn can result in an increased risk of aggression, bites and attacks,' Henderson explained.

'Even dogs that are ordinarily calm, friendly or welcoming can show uncharacteristically protective or aggressive behaviours when experiencing prolonged periods of stress.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian posties are experiencing a sharp increase in dog attacks during deliveries, with over 50 attacks recorded each week.
• Queensland and NSW have recorded the largest increases in dog attacks, with Stafford and Darra in Queensland and Tamworth, Nepean and Alexandria in NSW having the highest number of incidents nationwide.
• Australia Post requested that pet owners ensure their dogs are secure, with the General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing Rod Maule stating that if it's not safe for their posties to approach a home, they won't be able to deliver.
• Several preventative measures have been implemented to reduce dog attacks, including a digital hazard tracker that allows posties to log a dangerous dog's location, enabling staff to avoid the house or take extra care.

What are your thoughts on this warning from Australia Post, dear members? Let us know in the comments below.

People with their dogs loose like that would not get their mail or parcels from me if I was doing that job... I have a little dog who would lick everyone to death he is that friendly... but he is always under our care or inside when the postie/parcel delivery turns up

 

[Dan Allen]

Unfortunately too many people get dogs and then do not take proper care of them.

They have probably had no experience working with and caring for an animal, so it becomes trial and error. Wrong choice of animal, no idea how to train and nurture the animal, or the other excuse "we got him to keep intruders out' so we are not going to restrain him during hours the postie might turn up. I am convinced that some people have an animal to maintain a symbol of status and we will get a big bully dog to prove a point. Do not worry yourself about nurturing, training and generally taking care of the animal so it will grow up to be a little less aggressive.

 

[Colette 3799]

Dogs should only be allowed to roam free in the backyard, not out the front of the house.

I agree. Not only for the biting issue but also for their own safety. I hate to see dogs out on their own, they could go under a car or get stolen

 

[Rain72]

It’s the busiest time of the year for posties all over the world.

As the holiday season approaches and the number of parcels being sent increases, Australia Post issued a stern warning to pet owners following a significant increase in dog attacks on postal workers.

The surge in incidents has raised concerns about the safety of posties, who are now facing a higher risk of injury during their daily rounds.

Every week, more than 50 postal workers across Australia are reportedly subjected to dog attacks, with Queensland and New South Wales witnessing the most significant rise in incidents.

The suburbs of Tamworth, Nepean, and Alexandria in NSW, Stafford and Darra in Queensland, and Rockingham in Western Australia have been identified as the hotspots for dog-related incidents on a national scale.

View attachment 36127

Dog attack incidents on posties have risen. Image source: Freepik.

Queensland recorded the highest number of attacks at 321, closely followed by NSW with 306 incidents.

WA reported 177 dog-related incidents, while Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania recorded 103, 68, 9, and 5 incidents respectively.

In light of these alarming figures, Australia Post urges pet owners to ensure their dogs are securely contained, especially during delivery hours.

Rod Maule, Australia Post's General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, emphasised that most attacks occur at the front door when posties attempt to deliver packages.

'It takes just a second to secure your dog in another room, and it makes the world of difference to our team members,' Maule said.

'This is our busiest time of year, in fact, in all metro capitals and some regional cities and towns we are now delivering up to seven days a week, so it’s more important than ever to keep dogs secure.'

'We know our customers are eager to get their deliveries. However, our team’s safety comes first and if it’s not safe for our posties to approach a home, then they won’t be able to deliver.'

Australia Post is committed to ensuring the safety of its employees and has implemented several preventative measures to reduce dog attacks.

These include a digital hazard tracker that allows posties to log the location of a dangerous dog, alerting other staff members and enabling them to either avoid the house or exercise extra caution during delivery.

Animal behaviour veterinarian Dr Tracey Henderson explained that environmental changes, such as increased home activity due to deliveries, guests, and last-minute maintenance, can trigger fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.

This heightened emotional state can lead to an increased risk of aggression, bites, and attacks.

'When cortisol levels are elevated, dogs find it hard to regulate their response to things that threaten or frighten them, which in turn can result in an increased risk of aggression, bites and attacks,' Henderson explained.

'Even dogs that are ordinarily calm, friendly or welcoming can show uncharacteristically protective or aggressive behaviours when experiencing prolonged periods of stress.'

Key Takeaways

• Australian posties are experiencing a sharp increase in dog attacks during deliveries, with over 50 attacks recorded each week.
• Queensland and NSW have recorded the largest increases in dog attacks, with Stafford and Darra in Queensland and Tamworth, Nepean and Alexandria in NSW having the highest number of incidents nationwide.
• Australia Post requested that pet owners ensure their dogs are secure, with the General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing Rod Maule stating that if it's not safe for their posties to approach a home, they won't be able to deliver.
• Several preventative measures have been implemented to reduce dog attacks, including a digital hazard tracker that allows posties to log a dangerous dog's location, enabling staff to avoid the house or take extra care.

What are your thoughts on this warning from Australia Post, dear members? Let us know in the comments below.

I have no patience with ignorant dog owners who put other people's safety at risk. I would like to see stiff penalties imposed on owners of dogs that bite a person. My son was bitten and almost lost an eye. The same dog bit a milkman, a meter reader, and an elderly lady, The owner was ordered to get rid of the dog but didn't, and the judge refused to issue a fine because she was a pensioner, which I think was a shocking injustice and an insult to those hurt. Eventually, someone ran over the dog - most likely deliberately! I hate seeing an animal hurt, but I did not want to see another person injured either. The owner should have been severely punished.

 

[Knell]

Luckily they have g.u.n. control otherwise I would not hesitate.

...yes, lucky indeed!

 

[Annna]

Can’t blame the dogs, only the owners.

I agree. Rehome the dog instead of killing it and fine the horrible bogon owners.

 

[Annna]

Would it? Have to be very quick...

Punish the owner who is in fact responsible for his/her pet's conduct.

Dogs are not born vicious, they are made that way.

 

[Annna]

My thoughts exactly

Owners are responsible.

Dog's behaviour is the result of its owner's CARE or lack thereof.

 

[Annna]

I have no patience with ignorant dog owners who put other people's safety at risk. I would like to see stiff penalties imposed on owners of dogs that bite a person. My son was bitten and almost lost an eye. The same dog bit a milkman, a meter reader, and an elderly lady, The owner was ordered to get rid of the dog but didn't, and the judge refused to issue a fine because she was a pensioner, which I think was a shocking injustice and an insult to those hurt. Eventually, someone ran over the dog - most likely deliberately! I hate seeing an animal hurt, but I did not want to see another person injured either. The owner should have been severely punished.

Pensioner or not. Dogs are companions, not weapons.

 

[Ellev]

Rod Maule, Australia Post's General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, emphasised that most attacks occur at the front door when posties attempt to deliver packages.

So people are opening their doors and letting their dogs rush out and attack the postman?
l was thinking it was on properties that dogs had access to the front yard.

 

[Fat&fancy]

Ridiculous amount of money is being spent on new years firecrackers. Not only is it very noisy and does it frighten animals, the money should go to the homeless and those doing it tough as the higher cost of living just keeps skyrocketing thanks to current federal govt lies of assistance
Whole thing is a joke considering how the monies spent for fireworks of a few minutes could be better used!!

I absolutely agree!

 

[Annna]

Rod Maule, Australia Post's General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, emphasised that most attacks occur at the front door when posties attempt to deliver packages.

So people are opening their doors and letting their dogs rush out and attack the postman?
l was thinking it was on properties that dogs had access to the front yard.

The bogon owners.

 

[Abby2]

“Rod Maule, Australia Post's General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing” - love the name Sorry I know it’s a serious subject

"General Manager salaries at Australia Post can range from $250,000 - $320,000 per year.25 Mar 2023"

 

[Leenie]

"General Manager salaries at Australia Post can range from $250,000 - $320,000 per year.25 Mar 2023"

It’s no wonder Australia post is going broke with those salaries no one is worth paying that amount of money .