New data revealed there were more than 1150 dog related incidents in the past six months, highlighting a growing concern for the wellbeing of posties. Australia Post reported more than 44 posties a week were threatened by a dog, which was an average of nine each day. To help combat the problem, all posties across Australia will carry citronella spray by the end of July. Australia Post found a 40 per cent increase in dog incidents on customer’s properties that coincided with the growing demand of parcel deliveries. About 57 per cent of dog incidents occurred on the street, with most caused by roaming dogs, and others were unrestrained dogs that escaped to attack a postie. Australia Post general manager safety Russell Munro said they were constantly looking for better ways to protect frontline team members. “Despite public awareness efforts and rigorous safety protocols, we continue to see alarming rates of dog-related incidents,” he said. “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 dog related incidents in the past six months, the highest number in Australia, with the worst spot for posties in Darra, Denver and Toowoomba. Moree in NSW was another hotspot where roaming and unrestrained dogs created dangerous conditions for posties. “We’ve identified a safe citronella spray deterrent that has proven largely effective in de-escalating incidents,” he said. “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 said she was looking forward 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 said. “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 said she was delivering a parcel that required a signature when a dog escaped behind a gate and bit her on the breast, leaving her with a puncture wound and severe bruising which developed into a haematoma the size 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 said.