05/08/2026
★ ✰ Royal Mail Workers Defend Suspended Postman After Dog Death ✰ ★
Royal Mail workers have defended a postman who has been suspended from work after he kicked a dog which allegedly caused its death.
The incident happened in the Kingsbrook area of Aylesbury on Saturday, July 11, with footage being shared onto social media. The clip shows an 11-year-old Shih Tzu named Ethel being kicked while a parcel was being delivered.
Ethel's owner, Eve Lewis, told The Sun that the dog was partially blind, had only one tooth remaining and posed no threat to the postal worker. Despite emergency veterinary treatment, Ethel later died after suffering catastrophic injuries.
Now, several Royal Mail employees have spoken to The Telegraph in defence of the suspended worker, citing the dangers postmen and postwomen can face while carrying out deliveries.
One postal worker told The Telegraph: "I kicked a terrier that bit my leg to get it off me, and I would do it again."
Another said: "I felt for that dog and the owner, but I also felt for the postie.
"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 worker told The Telegraph: "I'm on his side.
"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 argued that delivery staff frequently face difficult situations involving dogs, with some claiming owners often insist pets are "just being friendly" even after incidents have occurred.
The comments come after Ms Lewis described the incident as particularly shocking given Ethel's age and frailty.
Speaking to The Sun, she said: "He didn't even just kick her, he toe-punted her like she was a football. She flew up in the air and hit the ground and rolled three times."
The NHS worker added that she was "heartbroken and angry" following the loss of her pet and said she wanted to ensure the same thing did not happen to another family.
Royal Mail has confirmed the worker has been suspended while a full investigation takes place. A spokesperson for the company 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 postal operator has also said it will cover the family's veterinary costs.
Thames Valley Police has implemented safeguarding measures but has made no arrests in connection with the incident.
The case has reignited discussion about dog attacks on postal workers. According to Royal Mail, there were 2,019 dog attacks on postal employees across the UK last year, including 61 that resulted in significant injuries.
More than half occurred at front doors, while a quarter took place in gardens, driveways or yards.
Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is a criminal offence and can carry a maximum sentence of five years' imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.❣️
Royal Mail workers have defended a postman who has been suspended from work after he kicked a dog which allegedly caused its death.
