Australia Post reveal Territory dog attacks on posties

There have been 24 dog attacks on Territorian posties in the past six months, with Australia Post concerned the holiday season will bump up those numbers. WARNING: GRAPHIC.

Still from footage caught by a NSW postie of an aggressive dog attacking the employee. Picture: Supplied.

There have been 24 dog attacks on Northern Territory posties in the past six months, with dog owners being urged to take greater responsibility ahead of the busy upcoming festive season.

The push to protect posties comes after newly released data shows 1277 incidents have occured where a postie has fallen victim to dog-related incidents nationwide in the past six months - an average of 10 per day.

The Territory registered 24 dog attack, ahead of Tasmania - 22 - and ACT - three.

Queensland recorded the highest number of attacks with 505, ahead of NSW who totalled 367.

A postie in Kalgoorlie sustained a serious injury during an attack. Picture: Supplied.

However, with the holiday season expected to increase delivery visits, Australia Post general manager of safety and wellbeing Rod Maule called on councils to implement strong measures to prevent dog attacks.

“Dog attacks remain one of the highest safety concerns for our people. 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,” he said.

“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.”

Currently in Darwin, a dog owner can be fined up to $1232 under the City of Darwin’s animal by-laws.

The bite marks left on a Victorian postie. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Maule said dog owners were needed to be more responsible.

“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,” he said.

“Dog ownership comes with responsibilities, and we need council support to effectively enforce laws and regulations to ensure the safety of our people.”

Australia Post warned dog owners their employees would not make a delivery if their address was considered unsafe to visit.

Dog attacks became a heated topic of discussion in the Territory earlier this year when a young pup, Artimus, was mauled to death on the streets of Millner.

In 2023, a dog was euthanized by authorities after it viciously attacked an elderly man and his dog in Nightcliff, with the victim requiring medical treatment at Royal Darwin Hospital.

Originally published as Australia Post reveal Territory dog attacks on posties