WARNING: Distressing image
Postal workers are being attacked or terrorised by dogs on average 11 times each day, with a third of the 1420 incidents in the past six months taking place on the street, Australia Post says.
Posties in Queensland are the worst-affected of any jurisdiction, with 466 incidents over the period, before New South Wales (408), Western Australia (215) and Victoria (166), according to research released by the federal government-owned business on Monday.
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WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Spate of dog attacks on Australia Post workers.
Australia Post has also released footage of attacks and images of workers’ injuries to reinforce the message of dog safety awareness.
The suburbs of Bundamba in Ipswich and Brisbane’s Darra and Stafford are where posties are most at risk in Queensland, while the NSW hotspots are Ingleburn and Lidcombe in Sydney and Tamworth.
Posties have been accosted by dogs that either escaped a property or were roaming streets in 26 per cent of incidents in the last six months, while another 8 per cent happened on the street when an owner was present.
“Australia Post is calling on dog owners to take responsibility for their pets,” the business’s safety manager Rod Maule said.
“Customers must understand that for many posties, it can be stressful or triggering knowing that your delivery round may involve a dog that shows aggressive behaviour.
“Our team members just want to be able to deliver for our customers, without being attacked, harassed, or chased by dogs.
“Regardless of the breed or temperament of your dog, we implore owners to secure their dog safely in a back garden, on a leash, or in another room when expecting parcel deliveries or mail, whether or not you are at home.”
Maule said people who were “unable” to restrain their dogs should consider alternatives to home delivery, such as parcel lockers.
No single breed was more responsible for attacks than others, Australia Post reported.