Overview

• Australia Post logged more than 1,150 dog-related incidents in the past six months, averaging nine attacks per day against mail carriers.
• The non-toxic, water-based citronella spray was tested to distract dogs effectively in 80% of trials, giving posties crucial seconds to retreat.
• High-risk regions including Moree in New South Wales, Darra in Queensland and parts of Western Australia are the first to receive the spray.
• Around 35,000 dog-related hazards are recorded by posties in their handheld devices, underscoring the scale of the threat.
• Full distribution and mandatory safety training for all carriers will conclude by late July, with the spray reserved as a last-resort defence.