What sounds like a cliché is an all-too-real threat for the people who deliver mail for a living.
Australia Post has drawn our attention to the surprisingly high rate of dog attacks, with nine happening daily nationwide.
Newly released data from the organisation shows that in a six-month period from November 2025 to May this year, over 1200 dog-related incidents were reported, a five percent increase on the previous six months.
200 of those incidents happened in Victoria, including four across Bendigo, three in Ballarat, and one each in Maryborough and Echuca.
The majority of those attacks occurred due to animals not being secured during deliveries.
Nationally, almost two-thirds of incidents happen on the street after a dog escapes a property or is roaming freely, and over a third of those incidents see posties being chased down the street.
Additionally, more than a third of all incidents take place on a customer’s property, often as a postie approaches with a delivery or leaves the premises after.
Victims have reported suffering bites, puncture, wounds, scratches and lacerations, and even being knocked off their bike as a result of an attack.
The release of this data comes one year after AusPost allowed its employees to carry citronella spray – a non-toxic, water-based spray designed to briefly distract dogs – as a “last-line-of-defence” measure.
But the organisation’s General Manager of Safety, Russell Munro says prevention remains the “most effective solution”.
“If you’re expecting a delivery, make sure your dog is securely contained in another room, behind a locked gate or safely restrained,” Mr Munro says.
“If you’re unable to do so, we encourage customers to consider using a 24/7 free and convenient Parcel Locker as a safer alternative.”
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