Why dog attacks on posties are at an all-time high

The number of dog attacks on posties has reached an unprecedented high, figures from Australia Post reveal.

There have been more than 1173 dog attacks since July, almost 400 more than at the same time last year.

In Victoria, the highest number of postie dog attacks were recorded in Preston, Mooroolbark and St Kilda.

Australia Post is today launching a campaign to keep posties safe, urging owners to secure their dogs away from entrances.

Veterinarian Katrina Warren says lockdown fuelled a dangerous combination — more pets and more parcels — which likely explains the rise in attacks on posties.

“People forget when they get puppies it’s really important to actually teach them that someone arriving to the door is a positive thing and to treat them nicely,” she told 3AW Breakfast.

“We need to encourage people to keep their dogs away from somewhere where they’re going to contact someone who’s delivering a parcel.”

Press PLAY below to hear Dr Warren’s tips for dog owners

Image: Australia Post/supplied