Australia Post will equip every Postie with citronella spray from June, as dangerous dogs continue to present safety risks to team members nationwide.

The decision follows an alarming number of dog-related incidents in the past six months, with more than 44 Posties a week falling victim to a threatening dog – an average of nine per day.  There were x 2 dog-related incidents reported for Lismore in the past six months.

Despite repeated appeals for dog owners to secure dogs during deliveries, new Australia Post data reveals over 1,150 dog-related incidents have occurred in the past six months – highlighting the growing concern for the physical and psychological wellbeing of Posties.  

The non-harmful, water-based citronella spray has been introduced as a last-line-of-defence measure to protect team members from imminent attack.  

Building on successful international use-cases, Australia Post conducted an extensive two-phase trial in some of the worst-affected areas, finding the spray was 80% effective in causing dogs to retreat, leaving Posties unharmed. When deployed, the deterrent temporarily distracts the dog, giving the Postie crucial moments to move to safety and call the owner for help.  

The growing frequency of parcel deliveries has led to almost 40% of dog incidents taking place on a customer’s property, half of those when a front door is opened for a parcel delivery. Dog incidents occurring on the street account for 57% of all cases.

Roaming dogs are a particular concern, accounting for 39% of all street incidents. Half of all other cases on the street were unrestrained dogs escaping a property to attack a Postie.  

Australia Post General Manager Safety, Russell Munro, said the organisation is constantly looking for ways to better protect frontline team members. 

“The safety of our team members is a core value at Australia Post. Despite public awareness efforts and rigorous safety protocols, we continue to see alarming rates of dog-related incidents. 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. We’ve identified a safe citronella spray deterrent that has proven largely effective in de-escalating incidents. When our people continue to end up in hospital, we have a responsibility to act and this is a last resort measure,” Mr Munro said.  

In addition to incidents ranging from physical and attempted attacks to chasing and harassing, there are currently 35,000 active dog-related hazards flagged in handheld devices carried by team members – a 20% increase since November last year4. These hazards are reported as a warning for potential escalation.  

The citronella spray program will prioritise high-risk regions first, with all Posties to be equipped with the spray by the end of July. The program will then be extended to Parcel Delivery Drivers, and all team members will be trained on how to use the spray safely and only as a last resort. 

Western Australian Postie and ex-Veterinarian Nurse, Bronwyn Adamson, is looking forward to receiving the citronella spray.  

“I was a Veterinarian Nurse for 17 years and have adopted rescue dogs with traumatised pasts. I’ve dealt with many animals who lash out due to stress and fear. As a Postie, I am more nervous around dogs than ever before, particularly since I was attacked.  

“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,” Ms Adamson said.  

Following the rollout, Australia Post will continue to analyse incident data and conduct regular reviews of risk management practices. Posties will undergo briefings on how to use the deterrent safely, following strict protocols for use. 

Prevention in the first instance is key. Australia Post advises dog owners to follow the three PAWS for Delivery steps: Sit, Stay, Secure.

• Sit your dog safely in a contained place, separate room, or behind a locked gate at the back of the home when expecting a delivery.  

• Make sure it’s somewhere the dog can stay while your Postie delivers your parcel.   

• Keep your dog secure behind your door or gate, allowing the Postie safe access to make the delivery and leave the property.  

If you are unable to properly secure your dog, consider using your nearest free 24:7 Parcel Locker.