Toole Court residents received a letter from Australia Post’s Wodonga delivery manager Rohan McSweeney three weeks ago stating a dog was “causing concern to the postal delivery officer by showing aggressive behaviour”.

“This dog has been reported to the local ranger and until it is resolved we will be suspending mail deliveries into Toole Court, if you are expecting important correspondence please contact the number above,” Mr McSweeney wrote.

The dog, which was missing from Toole Court yesterday, was found to be unregistered by Wodonga Council.

An Australia Post spokeswoman said concerns the sound of the motorbike was aggravating the dog had prompted a postie to deliver mail on foot.

“The No.1 priority is the safety of all our staff,” she said.

“We’re asking all community members to please play your part in keeping our posties safe by securing your dogs behind a fence — away from the letterbox — during mail deliveries.

“Australia Post continues to work with local council on a solution to this issue.”

The Border Mail spoke to neighbours yesterday who also expressed their anger and concern.

One neighbour, who didn’t want to be named for fear of retribution, said residents were being held at ransom.

“We cannot go for walks or move our vehicles without the dog creating an unsafe environment,” she said.

“Whenever the ranger is notified, the residents transfer this dog to other properties in the area.”

Wodonga Council’s business services director Trevor Ierino said the council was aware of the situation and had attended on several occasions.

He said an infringement notice had been issued as the dog is unregistered.

Owners had 28 days to pay a $289 fine, defend it in court or apply for a review.

“Until our rangers see the dog at large they are unable to impound it,” Mr Ierino said.

“When our rangers have been in the street the dog has not been outside its yard.”