Australia Post's drastic move after massive spike in dog attacks
All posties will now be equipped with a new deterrent - citronella spray - due to a shocking rise in incidents over the past six months.
Australia Post has been forced to make a big move following an alarming number of violent dog attacks across the country.
All posties will now be equipped with a new deterrent, citronella spray, due to a shocking rise in incidents over the past 6 months.
Since November, over 1150 encounters with a threatening dog have been recorded, with an average of 9 posties forced to flee for their safety every day.
Australia Post said apart from the normal bike.
and scratches, we've seen posties knocked off bikes.
We've also seen psychological trauma for our posties following serious dog attacks.
The citronella spray, which is water-based and not harmful, was trialled last year in some of the worst affected areas in New South Wales and Queensland and successfully deterred 80% of attacks.
Australia Post claims it temporarily distracts the dog, giving the postie extra time to protect themselves and call the pet's owner for help.
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