Royal Mail courier kicks an elderly and blind dog The video

A Royal Mail delivery driver has been filmed kicking an elderly, partially blind Shih Tzu dog named Ethel during a home delivery in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, on July 11. The incident was captured on camera by a doorstep security system and has sparked outrage among local residents and animal welfare advocates. Ethel, who was 11 years old, died the following day after suffering severe injuries, including internal bleeding and brain damage, according to reports from multiple British newspapers. The footage shows the delivery worker, dressed in the jersey of the England national football team, walking away from the front door after delivering a parcel. As the dog approaches him, he turns and kicks her, sending her tumbling to the ground. According to the owner, Eve Lewis, Ethel had shown no aggressive behavior and posed no threat. She described the dog as being partially blind and having only one remaining tooth. The owner later confirmed that the delivery worker initially denied involvement before the video evidence became public. Lewis shared the video with the media, describing how the man had treated the dog as though it were a ball. She emphasized that Ethel’s condition made her particularly vulnerable and that the act was both cruel and unnecessary. The owner posted the footage on her Facebook page, urging other pet owners to remain vigilant during deliveries. She also stated that Ethel's death was due to multi-organ failure, which she believed was exacerbated by the trauma of the attack and subsequent fall. Royal Mail has acknowledged the incident and launched an internal investigation. A company spokesperson expressed deep regret over the distressing event and assured that veterinary costs would be covered. However, the official statement did not confirm whether the employee had been suspended, despite reports from The Sun and The Telegraph indicating that the worker had been placed on leave pending further inquiry. Police have also begun looking into the case, although no formal charges have yet been filed. This incident occurred during Royal Mail’s “Dog Awareness Week,” a campaign encouraging pet owners to ensure their animals are safely restrained during deliveries. Despite this initiative, data released by the company on July 6 showed that there were 2,019 incidents of dogs attacking postal workers in the UK last year, a 8% decrease compared to the previous year. Of these attacks, 52% happened near the entrance of homes, while 25% took place in gardens, courtyards, or driveways. Animal rights groups have condemned the incident, calling for stricter measures to prevent such abuse. Local community members have also expressed shock and anger, with some taking to social media to share the video and demand accountability. While the outcome of the ongoing investigation remains unclear, the case has already prompted renewed discussions about the treatment of service animals and the need for greater awareness among delivery personnel.