Australia Post has introduced a new measure to protect its workers from increasing dog attacks – the use of citronella spray.
Recent statistics revealed that over the past six months, posties have faced an alarming average of 44 dog attacks each week, or nine per day. In response, Australia Post is arming its delivery staff with a non-harmful, water-based citronella spray as a final line of defense.
The corporation has already urged dog owners to secure their pets during deliveries. However, the rise in incidents prompted the need for additional safety measures. According to trials, the citronella spray proved 80% effective in distracting aggressive dogs, allowing posties to escape unharmed.
Russell Munro, Australia Post’s general manager of safety, emphasized that preventing physical and psychological harm to workers is a top priority. He added that despite ongoing public awareness campaigns and safety protocols, dog-related incidents continue to occur at an alarming rate.
“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,” Munro said.
Nearly 40% of dog attacks happen on a person’s property, with half of those occurring when a door is opened to receive a parcel. Some regions, such as Moree in northern New South Wales, have seen higher rates of attacks due to roaming, unrestrained dogs.
Citronella spray will first be rolled out in high-risk areas, with all posties expected to have the spray by late July. Delivery drivers will also be trained on how to use the spray safely and only when absolutely necessary.