The rise in attacks on posties and drivers coincides with record pet ownership across the country, as reported by Animal Medicines Australia.
And post-pandemic as pet owners start returning to work, Australia Post says its team members are reporting about five dog attacks each day.
There’s been more than 1,173 incidents so far this financial year. That’s almost 400 more than the same time last year and a steep increase on the 957 incidents recorded for the whole of last financial year.
Australia Post spokesman Rod Barnes says shocking images of posties’ injuries serve as a graphic reminder for Australians of the dangers of leaving their dogs unsecured.
“It can sometimes be difficult to imagine that an otherwise friendly family pet might pose a risk to others, but the reality is that our people are being hurt or placed in danger on a daily basis,” Mr Barnes says.
“These incidents can be traumatic for our team members and have lasting effects not only in terms of physical injury but also their mental health. Even if a dog doesn’t bite it can cause a serious accident by running in front of a postie or driver.”
Even good dogs, have bad days
The response has been to roll out an awareness campaign called Even good dogs, have bad days. It implores owners to make sure their dogs are secured before they leave home for the day.
“So, we’re really asking that people remember to shut their gates, keep their pets secured and help make sure our people can deliver their parcels and mail to them safely,” Mr Barnes says.
Motorcycle postie Tony Gadsby (pictured, main) has spent more than 20 years delivering mail and parcels. He was recently bitten by a dog bite while covering a new route. And, sadly, that’s not the first dog attack he has endured.
“It was unexpected, so I just didn’t have time to prepare, the dog just raced past me. It was a shock, and it has made me more vigilant going to doors,” he says.
“It’s common for people to say ‘it never bites’, but as a dog owner myself, I know they can be unpredictable.”
Tips for dog owners
TV presenter and veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren said dogs can be fearful of unfamiliar visitors or consider posties trespassers on their territory.
She suggests allaying your dog’s fears will help keep your postie, and other visitors such as tradespeople, couriers and meter readers, safe AND make your pup less anxious or defensive:
- Prevent the opportunity for an attack: Keep your dog somewhere where they can’t see or interact with the postie. Do not allow them to run free in a yard or passage where they have access to people entering your property.
- Use a leash: Do not allow your dog to run out your door when someone comes to the door. Have a leash and some treats by the door, and put your dog on the leash when someone comes.
- Make positive associations: Teach your dog that when the postie visits your property, something positive will happen. The obvious choice being they receive lots of treats from you for calm behaviour. You can start training as soon as you bring a puppy home.
- Seek professional advice: If your dog has already bitten someone, or is showing warning signals of aggressiveness (such as snarling and growling), you should seek professional help from a veterinary behaviourist as soon as possible.
