BUNDAMBA has ranked in the top three worst suburbs in the State for dog attacks on Australia Post workers.
The Ipswich suburb had 466 dog-related incidents recorded over the last six months, with Stafford and Darra also in the top three hot spots.
New data has revealed that over the past six months more than 55 Posties a week have fallen victim to dog-related incidents, amounting to an alarming 11 incidents per day.
Despite Australia Post’s pleas for more action from dog owners, over 1,420 dog-related incidents have occurred in Australia in the past six months.
In a bid to help identify where Posties are most at risk, Australia Post data has found that half of all incidents are taking place on customer property, with one in three occurring at the customer’s front door.
Shockingly, 34% of cases happened on the street while dogs with their owner account for 8% of those incidents, and the remaining 26% involved a dog who escaped a property to attack a postie or was roaming the street.
Australia Post data reveals Queensland continues to record the highest number of incidents in each state, followed by New South Wales and Western Australia.
“Australia Post is calling on dog owners to take responsibility for their pets,” said Australia Post General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, Rod Maule.
“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.
“If you are unable to restrain your dog securely, we suggest using our Parcel Lockers
where possible.”
AUSTRALIA POST’S TIPS TO PROTECT POSTIES
- Always keep front gates securely closed.
- Where possible, secure dogs in the back garden (rather than the front) and keep any side gates securely closed.
- If you are expecting a delivery, be careful when opening your front door, ensuring your dog doesn’t run out from behind you. Securing them in another room is a great way to prevent this.
- If properly securing your dog is not possible, consider using our Parcel Lockers.
