More than 55 postal workers a week are attacked by dogs while at work, prompting calls for dog owners to call their dogs to the curb.
Australia Post says there have been 11 alarming dog-related incidents a day over the past six months.
Queensland continues to record the highest number of incidents with 466 incidents in the last six months, followed by New South Wales with 408 and Western Australia with 215.
While no breed of dog is more likely to attack than another, Australia Post says the smallest dogs are the most aggressive.
Australia Post chief safety and welfare officer Rod Maule has called on dog owners to take responsibility for their pets.
Australia Post is calling on dog owners to take responsibility for their pets. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)
“Our team members just want to be able to deliver to our customers, without being attacked, harassed or chased by dogs,” Maule said Monday.
“Postal services will not make a delivery if it is not safe for them to do so and will stop delivering to the customer’s home until the danger is resolved.”
Australia Post data has found that half of all incidents take place at customers’ properties, with almost a third occurring at the front door.
Of particular concern are dog bites during letter delivery, as 15 percent of incidents occur when a mail carrier puts mail in a mailbox.
Australia Post also reports dog-related incidents to relevant councils to ensure action is taken.
