Australia Post arms posties with citronella spray amid surge in dog attacks

Australia’s posties are using a novel way to protect themselves against a surge in dog attacks, which are now averaging 44 a week. Warning: Graphic

Australian posties will carry citronella spray to ward off aggressive dogs as attacks rise at an alarming rate.

Australia Post reported 1150 dog-related incidents across the country in just the last six months, averaging to about 44 attacks a week or 9 per day.

The national postal service has introduced a non-harmful, water-based citronella spray as a last line of defence to protect postal workers from imminent dog attacks.

The move follows a successful two-phase trial in some of the country’s worst-affected areas, building on international examples where the spray has been effective.

The trial found the spray caused dogs to retreat in 80 per cent of incidents, allowing posties to escape unharmed.

When used, the spray distracts the dog long enough for the postal worker to move to safety and contact the owner for assistance.

A picture of a postie injured after a vicious dog attack on their arm while out delivering. Picture: Supplied

Almost 40 per cent of attacks now happen on a customer’s property, with half of those occurring when a front door is opened during a delivery.

Street incidents make up 57 per cent of all cases, with roaming dogs responsible for nearly 40 per cent of those.

The remaining street attacks are largely due to unrestrained dogs escaping from properties to confront delivery staff.

“Despite public awareness efforts and rigorous safety protocols, we continue to see alarming rates of dog-related incidents,” Australia Post General Manager Safety Russell Munro said.

“The best way to avoid dog attacks is to ensure your dog is safely secured behind a locked door or gate when your postie arrives with your parcel.

“Moree in NSW is one of many hotspots where the number of roaming and unrestrained dogs has created dangerous conditions for our posties.”

An image taken of one of the vicious dogs that posties face out on the job.

In addition to incidents involving physical attacks, attempted attacks, chasing, and harassment, Australia Post team members are currently managing 35,000 active dog-related hazards flagged in their handheld devices — a 20 per cent increase since November last year.

Postie and ex-veterinarian nurse Bronwyn Adamson has welcomed the introduction of the citronella spray following his own attack.

“I was a veterinarian nurse for 17 years and have adopted rescue dogs with traumatised pasts. As a postie, I am more nervous around dogs than ever before, particularly since I was attacked,” he said.

Posties across Australia will now carry citronella spray to ward off aggressive dogs, as attacks rise at an alarming rate, Australia Post says.

“The incident occurred when I was delivering a parcel requiring a signature. A dog escaped from behind a gate and bit me on my breast, leaving a puncture wound and severe bruising which developed into a golf ball-sized haematoma.

“The citronella spray will give me peace of mind – I’ll feel safer knowing I have something that could protect me from another attack.”

The rollout of the citronella spray will begin in high-risk areas, with all posties expected to be equipped with the deterrent by the end of July. The program will then expand to include parcel delivery drivers.

All team members will receive training to ensure the spray is used safely and strictly as a last resort.

Originally published as Australia Post arms posties with citronella spray amid surge in dog attacks