Local posties fall victim to shocking dog attacks

Local posties are being attacked by vicious dogs, with incidents recorded across four Geelong region suburbs.

Local posties are being attacked by vicious dogs, with incidents recorded across four Geelong region suburbs.

New Australia Post data reveals postal drivers have been attacked while delivering parcels and letters to properties at in Barwon Heads, Grovedale, North Geelong and Norlane.

It comes as Australia Post is calling on dog owners to help keep posties safe following a surge in attacks.

New data shows that more than 1173 incidents have been reported across Australia this financial year to date – nearly 400 more than the same time last year.

Australia Post executive general manager of network operations Rod Barnes said shocking images of injuries and confronting footage of incidents captured around the country as posties carried out their daily deliveries served as a graphic reminder for Australians of the dangers of leaving their dogs unsecured.

Australia Post data shows there has been more than 1173 incidents involving vicious dogs.

“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 said.

“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, and they may no longer feel safe delivering to locations where incidents have occurred.

“Even if a dog doesn’t bite it can cause a serious accident by running in front of a postie or driver in an electric delivery vehicle, and that can also result in an injury to your pet, 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.”

Originally published as Local posties fall victim to shocking dog attacks