Royal Mail delivery workers have defended the colleague accused of kicking a blind pet dog to death, arguing that frequent attacks by aggressive dogs have left many postmen fearful while carrying out deliveries.
The comments come after a Royal Mail postman was suspended following the death of Ethel, an 11-year-old Shih Tzu, who died after being violently kicked outside her home in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Doorbell camera footage recorded the incident as the postman delivered a parcel to owner Eve Lewis on July 13.
The video appears to show Ethel approaching the delivery worker before he kicks the small dog with such force that she is launched through the air before tumbling across the driveway.
Ethel, who was partially blind and had only one tooth remaining, was rushed to a veterinary practice for emergency treatment.
Despite vets’ efforts to save her, the dog’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Her blood pressure fell dramatically and she later died from organ failure caused by her injuries.
The footage sparked widespread outrage online, with thousands calling for the delivery worker to face criminal prosecution and lose his job.
However, some of the postman’s colleagues have defended his reaction, saying postal workers regularly face frightening encounters with uncontrolled dogs while delivering mail.
One postman told The Telegraph: “I kicked a terrier that bit my leg to get it off me, and I would do it again.
“I would say about 10 of us in my office have been bitten. It’s very common and it’s always the dogs that have ‘never done that before’.”
Another delivery worker said he sympathised with both the grieving owner and the suspended postman.
“I felt for that dog and the owner, but I also felt for the postie,” he said.
“If you have been bitten, or been threatened with being bitten, it makes you scared. They come snapping at your ankles and it’s frightening.”
A third Royal Mail employee argued delivery staff are instructed not to take unnecessary risks if they believe a dog could pose a danger.
“I’m on his side,” he said.
“If you know the area you can do your best to keep safe – if you don’t then you’re supposed to not take any risks.”
Other postal workers commenting on social media also suggested the dog should have been under closer control, while acknowledging the outcome was deeply upsetting.
Owner Eve Lewis has strongly rejected any suggestion that Ethel posed a threat.
The NHS worker described her pet as elderly, frail and harmless, saying the force used against the dog was completely disproportionate.
“He didn’t even just kick her – he toe punted her like she was a football,” Ms Lewis said.
“She flew up in the air and hit the ground and rolled three times. She went flying like she was a football.”
She added: “I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else… I’m heartbroken and angry.”
Ms Lewis has also claimed the delivery worker denied harming Ethel when she confronted him immediately after the incident.
Royal Mail confirmed the employee has been suspended while a full internal investigation is carried out.
A spokesperson said: “We are deeply sorry for this distressing incident, and we know how upsetting it is for the family.
“We are treating this matter very seriously.”
The company said it has reviewed the Ring doorbell footage and will determine what further action should be taken once its investigation is complete.
Royal Mail has also confirmed it will pay the family’s veterinary bills.
Thames Valley Police has been made aware of the incident and has implemented safeguarding measures. No arrests have been announced.
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal is a criminal offence that can carry a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both if prosecuted and convicted.
The incident has also renewed debate over the dangers faced by delivery workers.
Royal Mail says there were 2,019 dog attacks on its employees during the last reporting year, including 61 that resulted in significant injuries.
More than half of those attacks occurred at the front door, while around one in four happened in gardens, driveways or front yards.
A further 324 attacks were reported through letterboxes, where householders remain legally responsible for controlling their dogs.
While some postal workers argue those statistics explain why delivery staff sometimes react instinctively when confronted by dogs, others have stressed that every incident must be judged on its own facts.
Royal Mail’s investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ethel’s death remains ongoing, while animal welfare campaigners have continued to call for those responsible to be held fully accountable if any criminal offences are found to have been committed.
