Australia Post says dog attacks on posties are rising; Huon Valley adds QR code signs

Australia Post says dog-related incidents involving posties are rising, with the company recording more than 1,200 incidents over the past six months, or about nine a day.

The latest figures, which Australia Post says are about 5% higher than the same period last year, have prompted renewed warnings for households to secure pets when deliveries are due.

Tasmania hotspot

Australia Post said Tasmania recorded 42 incidents in the six-month period, with Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, Kingston and Ulverstone identified as hotspots.

The company says dog behaviour can quickly turn a routine delivery into a safety issue for postal workers.

Russell Munro, Australia Post's general manager of safety, said dogs can pose a real safety risk to posties and that everyday deliveries can escalate quickly.

Australia Post says it has introduced citronella spray as a last-line-of-defense measure for posties. It also advises dog owners to securely contain pets during deliveries or use parcel lockers if they cannot do so.

Council response

Huon Valley Council has responded by installing QR-code signs at designated off-leash dog areas.

The signs allow people to report aggressive dog incidents from their phones, and are backed by an updated online resource hub.

Mayor Sally Doyle said the aim is to make rules and resources easier for dog owners to access.

The move comes as councils and Australia Post continue looking for ways to reduce dog-related incidents and improve safety for workers delivering to homes and businesses.

Further local responses could follow if other councils choose to adopt similar reporting signs or if Australia Post releases more detail on its mitigation measures.