Posties will soon carry protection spray to use | Australian Markets

Posties will soon carry spray to defend themselves in opposition to harmful canines after an “alarming” quantity of employees have been attacked or threatened.

New information revealed there have been more than 1150 canine associated incidents up to now six months, highlighting a growing concern for the wellbeing of posties.

Australia Post reported more than 44 posties a week have been threatened by a canine, which was an average of 9 every day.

To help fight the issue, all posties throughout Australia will carry citronella spray by the top of July.

Australia Post discovered a 40 per cent increase in canine incidents on buyer’s properties that coincided with the growing demand of parcel deliveries.

About 57 per cent of canine incidents occurred on the road, with most attributable to roaming canines, and others have been unrestrained canines that escaped to assault a postie.

Australia Post normal supervisor security Russell Munro mentioned they have been continually searching for higher methods to defend frontline staff members.

“Despite public awareness efforts and rigorous safety protocols, we continue to see alarming rates of dog-related incidents,” he mentioned.

“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.”

Queensland had 383 canine associated incidents up to now six months, the best quantity in Australia, with the worst spot for posties in Darra, Denver and Toowoomba.

Moree in NSW was one other hotspot the place roaming and unrestrained canines created harmful circumstances for posties.

“We’ve identified a safe citronella spray deterrent that has proven largely effective in de-escalating incidents,” he mentioned.

“When our people continue to end up in hospital, we have a responsibility to act and this is a last resort measure.”

Postie Bronwyn Adamson mentioned she was trying ahead to receiving the citronella spray after she was attacked.

“I was a veterinarian nurse for 17 years and have adopted rescue dogs with traumatised pasts,” she mentioned.

“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.”

Ms Adamson mentioned she was delivering a parcel that required a signature when a canine escaped behind a gate and bit her on the breast, leaving her with a puncture wound and extreme bruising which developed into a haematoma the dimensions of a golf ball.

“The citronella spray will give me peace of mind – I’ll feel safer knowing I have something that could protect me from another attack,” she mentioned.