A Royal Mail delivery driver is under investigation after kicking a blind Shih Tzu named Ethel, causing injuries that led to the dog's death. The incident occurred outside a family home in Buckinghamshire, and was captured by a Ring doorbell camera.
The footage shows the unidentified driver kicking the 11-year-old dog, described as partially blind with only one tooth, moments after delivering a parcel. The dog's owner, Eve Lewis, a 40-year-old NHS worker, stated that the driver denied the attack. However, the video evidence contradicted his denial.
Lewis recounted that the driver "toe punted her like she was a football," causing Ethel to be thrown into the air and sustain severe injuries. At the veterinary clinic, Ethel's condition deteriorated due to internal bleeding and irreversible brain damage, leading Lewis to make the difficult decision to have her euthanized.
Despite the owner's distress and the dog's vulnerable state, some fellow postal workers have publicly defended the driver's actions. One postman told The Telegraph that he had kicked a dog that bit him and "would do it again," adding that "about 10 of us in my office have been bitten."
Another colleague expressed empathy for both the dog's owner and the postal worker. A third postman based in the South East stated he was "on his side," suggesting that a lack of familiarity with an area could lead to safety concerns.
Royal Mail has issued a statement expressing deep regret for the incident and acknowledging its distressing nature for the family. The company confirmed it has launched a full investigation into the circumstances and will cover the veterinary costs. Royal Mail emphasized its commitment to animal welfare and the safety of its employees, noting that dog-related incidents pose a significant risk to postal workers.
According to Royal Mail statistics from the previous year, 2,019 dog attacks were reported on postal workers, with 61 resulting in significant injuries to employees.
Thames Valley Police are conducting ongoing inquiries into the incident, focusing on animal welfare and criminal damage. No arrests have been made at this time.