The South Australian Government, in collaboration with Australia Post, is launching a campaign to enhance safety measures for postal workers by distributing dog bite safety information to all registered dog owners in South Australia. Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close announced the initiative following a worrying rise in dog attacks against postal workers and civilians.
In light of the steep increase in dog attacks, where 503 individuals required hospital treatment over the past year—a significant jump from 211 in 2012—the State Government is gearing up to enforce stringent new laws and increased penalties for dog-related incidents. These legislative adjustments aim to hold pet owners more accountable when their pets attack people, other dogs, or animals.
The latest figures are alarming, with 114 recorded attacks on postal workers in South Australia alone within just the first half of the year. Nationwide, more than 1,000 postal workers face dog attacks annually.
The campaign involves sending out letters penned by Buddy, a fictional dog bite safety educator, to more than 314,000 dog owners across the state. These letters include vital safety information aimed at preventing such attacks. Thanks to a collaboration between the state and Australia Post, these letters are being mailed free of charge, saving approximately $390,000 in postage costs if standard rates were applied.
South Australians will also have access to free bumper stickers and collectible leaflets featuring Buddy and his friends. These materials can be picked up from local Post Offices throughout the state. The campaign also features a series of short animated videos endorsed by Buddy. These videos educate viewers on the warning signs preceding a dog bite and outline potential reasons for aggressive behavior in dogs. These efforts spearhead the movement toward greater public awareness and safety, reducing the risks faced by postal workers.
Susan Close remarked on the issue, stating, “Dogs are loved by most South Australians, but the reality is that hundreds of people are bitten by them each year in our state. Posties do a very important job and they should be safe to do their work. This campaign is not about demonising or stigmatising any dog, it is about raising awareness on how to keep yourself, other people, and our dogs safe.”
In the same vein, Rod Maule, General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing at Australia Post, spoke about the company’s commitment to safety. “With our posties out and about delivering in the community every day, they are at unfortunately risk of dog attacks. In fact, 1 in 3 dog-related incidents involving posties occurs at a customer’s front door during a parcel delivery,” explained Maule. He further noted the strategic significance of their partnership with the SA government, leveraging Australia Post’s extensive delivery network to reach a wide audience of dog owners with these crucial educational materials.
In addition to direct mail efforts, Australia Post is engaging local councils to ensure that incidents are reported and appropriate measures are taken to maintain public safety. Posties are instructed not to deliver to homes or businesses where safety cannot be assured, with service to these addresses suspended until the risks are mitigated.
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