Australia Post Dog Attack Warning as Christmas Runs Begin - deliveries to a property or street will Cease if a Postie is threatened or injured by an aggressive dog - 2024-2025 Dog Attack Statistics for NSW Still Not Released Despite Daily Accounts of same and topping Australia Post Stats. this year + South Australia's Tougher Penalties for Dog Attacks Begin
Australia Post is urging dog owners to properly secure their pets this holiday season, as new data reveals 46 Posties a week are falling victim to dog-related incidents – an average of nine per day.1
More than 1,190 dog-related incidents have occurred nationwide in the past six months, with growing fears these numbers will rise as deliveries surge during the busy sales and Christmas season. Despite repeated appeals for owners to secure their pets when expecting a delivery, aggressive and unpredictable dog behaviour remains a growing safety risk for Posties.
Alarmingly, one in three incidents occurs on customer property – all of these occurring either at the front door or when the Postie is approaching or leaving the front door to deliver a parcel. A further 62% occur on the street, with more than 80% of those involving dogs escaping a property or roaming freely without an owner present. One in three street incidents involved a Postie being chased by a dog, highlighting the real and immediate danger faced by frontline team members.
Australia Post will cease deliveries to a property or street if a Postie is threatened or injured by an aggressive dog. To help protect team members, Posties have also been equipped with citronella spray as a last-line-of-defence safety measure. In the past six months, the deterrent has been effective in 90% of cases, causing dogs to retreat and giving Posties crucial time to get to safety.
Australia Post General Manager Safety, Russell Munro said simple actions from dog owners can make a critical difference during the busiest delivery period of the year.
“Our Posties want to be able to deliver for our customers without fear of being attacked or chased by a dog. Regardless of breed or temperament, we urge all owners to keep their dogs safely contained when expecting deliveries.
“While the rollout of citronella spray has helped in many situations, we’re still seeing far too many cases of aggressive dog behaviour and unfortunately can’t prevent all incidents from occurring. We’ve seen the number of cases increase over the past six months, which shows there’s still more work to be done to keep our Posties safe.
“If you’re expecting a parcel delivery, our app makes it easy to stay informed with up-to-date delivery times and now displays a timely reminder to secure your dog in another room or behind a gate,” Mr Munro said.
For the first time in over two years, New South Wales has taken over Queensland as the worst affected state in the country for dog-related incidents involving Posties, with the following delivery areas identified as having the highest number of incidents nationally:
- New South Wales (342) – Penrith, Warabrook, Villawood and Moree
- Queensland (325) – Darra, Stafford, Toowoomba
- Western Australia (188) – Wangara, Rockingham, Bentley and Bunbury
- Victoria (179) – Mooroolbark, Sunshine West, Essendon Fields
- South Australia (80) – Glynde, Port Adelaide, Gawler
- Tasmania (38) – Launceston, Western Shore, Devonport
- Northern Territory (21) – Darwin, Eaton, Alice Springs and Palmerston
- Australian Capital Territory (21) – Canberra South, Mitchell, Tuggeranong
Australia Post reports all dog-related incidents to local councils to ensure proper enforcement is undertaken and the risk is mitigated.
Prevention in the first instance is key. Australia Post advises dog owners to follow the three PAWS for delivery steps: Sit, Stay, Secure
- Sit your dog safely in a contained place, separate room, or behind a locked gate at the back of the home when expecting a delivery.
- Make sure it’s somewhere the dog can Stay while your Postie delivers your parcel.
- Keep your dog Secure behind your door or gate, allowing the Postie safe access to make the delivery and leave the property.
If you are unable to properly secure your dog, consider using your nearest Parcel Locker.
2024-2025 Dog Attack Statistics for NSW Still Not Released Despite Daily Accounts of same
The news comes atop a November 24 2GB interview with Kylie Brooks who shared the harrowing account of her mother’s vicious dog attack on November 12 near The Entrance Club on the Central Coast. Kylie, whose mother suffered serious leg injuries and required major surgery, discussed the terrifying details of the unprovoked mauling and her frustration that the owner has not yet been charged.
Regular reports on the news and to news services keep coming in of local dog attacks, including residents reporting the Police were called to the south end of Mona Vale beach after a dog attack there last week, just one month after the council approved a trail offleash dog area. Mona Vale residents state dogs are now right along the whole beach, not just the trial area, and they have had to lift small children, scared by dogs rushing at them, out the way.
Across the whole area residents are reporting more dogs offleash on all beaches and in all public spaces, unchallenged by the council despite its obligation to ensure the law is upheld, and that dogs are on leashes in public areas. Residents requests to owners to put their dog on its leash in public areas are met with verbal abuse and even physical threats.
State Government data released this same week states fines for parking infringements is almost 12 thousand tickets issued physically each quarter in this LGA.
The average parking fine is $300-330. In New South Wales the fine for having a dog off-leash in a public area is typically a $330 on-the-spot fine. The same penalty applies to other offenses, such as failing to clean up after your dog or having your dog in a prohibited area like a playground.
However, councillors who have drilled down into the council data on dog fines found at the North Curl Curl Beach off-leash dog area, for the first six months of 2022, rangers carried out 75 dog patrols, registering 300 observations over 60 hours and issued 30 fines for dogs not under control and dogs in prohibited places. The arithmetic not only indicates the level of non-compliance even when a ranger is present, it also would indicate owners are either unaware of what the laws are or have formed the opinion that they will not be fined.
The dog attack statistics for this time last year reveal the LGA is among the highest.
Critics of the trial maintain that despite a troubling rise in dog attacks, the council voted to press ahead with an off-leash dog trial on the beach.
''By framing the decision as a 'popular choice,' council has chosen to ignore legitimate safety and community concerns.' one resident stated
''This is more than poor judgement — it borders on wilful neglect of their duty to protect residents, visitors, and local wildlife. Popularity cannot be the benchmark for public policy when safety and accountability are at stake.''
Another states:
''A lack of science behind the assessment of environmental effects means that whether dogs on this beach affect the natural environment or not will be impossible to determine. As there was insufficient data collected before the trial began on existing fauna and flora on the beach and in the dunes, there can be no comparison made at the end of the trial.
The conditions limiting dogs on the beach to certain hours are unlikely to be enforced given council’s apparent lack of ability to enforce current rules about dogs.''
The councillors voted for the trial to go ahead.
This all is happening while the NSW Office of Local Government still has not released the January to June 2025 Dog Attack Incidents reported by Councils, the NSW Dog Attack Incidents or the Seizures (Pound Data Reports). Nor have the July to September 2025-26 statistics been released, just days before December 2025, and the final quarter for the new year's dog attack data is due.
Earlier this year pet owners and members of the public were invited to help shape cat and dog laws in NSW, with the NSW Government delivering on its election commitment to conduct a wide-ranging review of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (CA Act).
For the first time in two decades the NSW government is reviewing these laws to greater support responsible pet ownership and ensure the wellbeing of pets and the safety of communities.
The review will examine all aspects of the care and management of companion animals in NSW, including addressing the urgent need to prevent dogs and cats from entering the pound and rehoming system.
It will also explore actions taken in other jurisdictions and the role and enforcement responsibilities of councils. Key issues under consideration include:
- cat management
- preventing dog attacks
- pounds and rehoming services
- registration and desexing
- stakeholder roles and responsibilities and the regulatory tools available under the legislation
- responsible pet ownership education and training.
Tougher penalties for dog attacks take effect: S.A.
Some of the nation’s toughest dog attack penalties are now in force in South Australia under changes that came into effect on 17 November 2025.
Dog owners face a maximum $25,000 fine if their pet attacks and seriously injures or kills a person or animal.
The penalty will increase to up to $50,000 if the attacking dog is already the subject of a dangerous dog order; the previous maximum was $10,000.
In extreme cases, dog owners who deliberately encourage their pet to attack a person or animal can now be fined up to $100,000 or be jailed for up to four years.
The reforms follow the tragic death of Golden Retriever Ruby, who was killed after two dog attacks in less than a month.
Her owner, June Deane, has led calls for change.
"The tougher penalties to me are an absolute victory," Ms Deane said.
"I have worked so hard for the past 19 months to have them implemented and help protect others from going through the pain and suffering that our family has endured.
"Ruby was such a beautiful soul – walking around the block or a trip to the local vet should be a safe space.
"These new laws will make dog owners more accountable for their actions and think twice before having a dog off a leash in a public setting.
"I hope it will reduce the number of dog attacks, make our community safer for all and let our precious Ruby’s legacy live on."
The strengthened Dog and Cat Management Act will also allow councils to work proactively with dog owners to help prevent offences before they occur, including implementing measures – like repairing a fence – to stop dogs wandering at large.
About 500 people are admitted to South Australian hospitals each year after being bitten by a dog. Many of the presentations are infants and children (ages 0-9) and older South Australians (aged 70 and over), representing around a quarter of total admissions for dog bites in the past five years.
While public hospital admissions have remained consistent in recent years, dog attacks have increased compared to a decade ago (252 admissions in 2014-15) – highlighting the need to improve community safety.
More than 1,100 dog attacks and incidents were also reported to local councils in 2024-25; a survey by the Dog and Cat Management Board suggests many more go unreported.
The increased penalties build on the government’s ‘Good Dogs have Bad Days’ campaign, helping to raise awareness on dog bite safety.
Safety tips include supervising children around dogs at home or in public, avoiding a dog’s territory like their bed, yard or toy box, never startling a dog or disturbing them while sleeping, and understanding warning signs such as growling.
Dog and Cat Management Board member, Associate Professor Susan Hazel, welcomed the changes.
"The Dog and Cat Management Act’s new dog attack penalties send a strong message to dog owners – be responsible, be safe around others and if not, be prepared to face harsh penalties of up to $100,000 and possible imprisonment," A/Prof Hazel said.
"The new Act will work hard to prevent dog attacks before they occur through proactive local council management such as stopping dogs from wandering.
"The Dog and Cat Management Board also has strategies to educate people about ways to reduce the risk of dog attacks."
Reforms are being rolled out in a staged approach with upcoming changes to focus on improved recognition under South Australian law of dog control orders placed on pet owners who move here from interstate such as a dangerous dog order or a prohibition order.
More in:
- Wildlife Killed by Same Roaming Dog Pair Again: 2025 Review of NSW Companion Animals Act to Commence following Dog Attack Inquests - (Dogs killing wildlife at: North Narrabeen-Elanora-Ingleside-Warriewood - January 2024; NB - the news service has received MORE of these reports since this first ran - these need to be reported to the Council to enable the Council to act on these)
- Dog Attacks On Wildlife On North Palm Beach - March 2024
- Dog Attack Kills Another Wallaby In Our Area: NBC Council LGA tops dog attack statistics in first 2023/24 statistics reported - February 2024
- Australia Post urges councils to take strong action as dog attacks on Posties continue: Northern Beaches Council Dog Attack Numbers for 2023/24 Higher than LGAs with more than twice the number of registered dogs - October -November 2024
[1] Australia Post Dog Safety data, 16 May 2025 to 16 November 2025
Dog attack statistics referenced from: OLG (3rd + 4th quarters of 2025 not Released as yet)
1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024 (1st Quarter 2024/25)
Northern Beaches Council
- total number of attacks recorded 53
- No of people involved in serious attacks 5
- No of people involved in less serious attacks 15
- Total animals attacked 39
Registered dogs 74,025
Compare Central Coast Council
- total number of attacks recorded 58
Registered dogs 162,490
1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024 (2nd Quarter 2024/25)
Northern Beaches Council
- total number of attacks recorded 73
- No of people involved in serious attacks 13
- No of people involved in less serious attacks 33
Total animals attacked 44
Compare Central Coast Council
- total number of attacks recorded 41
Registered dogs in CC LGA rose: 163,466
Quarterly NSW Report Dog attack incidents reported by all councils from 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024 (1st Quarter 2024/25)
Total number of dog attack incidents reported to council in the 1st Quarter of 2024/25 1,358
- Medical treatment required 197
- Hospitalisation 69
Quarterly NSW Report Dog attack incidents reported by all councils from 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024 (2nd Quarter 2024/25)
Total number of dog attack incidents reported to council in the 2nd Quarter of 2024/25 1,202
- Minor injury 282
- Medical treatment required 164
- Hospitalisation 76
