The age-old stereotype of canine’ love-hate relationship with posties may be true – however the actuality is harmful.
Nearly 1000 Australia Submit employees have been attacked by family canine over the previous 5 months, sparking an pressing plea by the postal service for canine homeowners to safe their pets.
The variety of dog-related incidents is on the rise, with a day by day common of just about seven since July, in comparison with a mean of simply over 4 per day within the 2021-22 monetary yr.
The manager basic supervisor of individuals and tradition at Australia Submit, Susan Davies, stated there has additionally been a rise within the severity of accidents sustained.
A few of these assaults can result in extreme and debilitating accidents, with many requiring medical therapy.
Ms Davies confused the necessity for canine homeowners to safe their pets, with the postal service anticipating the supply of more than 52 million parcels over the holiday period.
She stated posties won’t make a supply in the event that they really feel unsafe when approaching a house.
“Canine are territorial by nature, so even the sweetest canine could be a hazard to our pets,” Ms Davies stated.
“We have had posties maintain a variety of accidents together with puncture wounds, lacerations, scratches and bites.
“Sadly, staff members have additionally suffered from long-term psychological impacts following an assault.”
NSW recorded the very best variety of dog-related incidents with 351 since July 1, adopted by Queensland (281) and Western Australia (183).
Scale back the chance of canine assaults
The entrance gate, letterbox, footpath and entrance door are the place most canine incidents happen.
RSPCA NSW senior supervisor of animal habits Georgie Caspar stated steps canine homeowners can take embody:
- Having an space to include a canine, corresponding to a closed-off room in the home or in a locked yard
- Holding the aspect gate securely closed when a canine is within the yard
- Distracting canine with treats, chews and toys when a parcel is because of be delivered.
“It is very important keep in mind that, like individuals, animals have totally different personalities and particular person wants,” Ms Caspar stated.
“Should you discover that your pet is constantly confused by the presence of a postie and also you’re undecided tips on how to assist them, we suggest participating the companies of a certified behavioral coach that makes use of force-free and reward-based approaches, or a veterinary behaviorist.”
Whereas Australia recorded 1587 dog-postie incidents within the 2021-22 monetary yr, there have been greater than 5400 dog attacks on US postal employees in 2021.
The UK recorded more than 1600 dog attacks on posties final yr, with 39 p.c going down on the entrance door.
Australia Submit’s plea comes after meter reader Kane Minion was fatally mauled by two canine at a house south of Brisbane earlier this month.
The canine have since been euthanized by Logan Metropolis Council’s animal care division.
