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A postman has been caught on camera as he apparently kicked a small family dog, which he claims nipped him.
The tiny pet can be heard barking in the background as the postman delivers a parcel.
However, with the door open, the creature runs towards it, as the family’s teenage daughter accepted the package, Hull Live reports.
Footage then shows the Royal Mail postman appearing to kick the dog, which can then be seen tumbling across the driveway.
The animal is then seen getting up and the postman leaves the property.
The girl’s mother has now told of how the incident left her daughter in tears.
It is understood the postman told his employers the dog nipped him when they spoke with him internally about the incident. He is believed to have told them his reaction was a reflex action.
In a letter sent to the family, the Royal Mail has apologised for the upset caused. However they pointed out that 33 of their delivery workers are injured by dogs every week.
The girl’s mother said apart from distressing her daughter the incident had left the dog wetting itself every time the doorbell rings.
She said: “My dog is terrified of going to the door and when the doorbell goes, he wets himself and is visibly shaking.
“My daughter answered the door for the delivery. I was outside hanging washing up and she ran in and told me what had happened. My daughter was very upset. She was crying her eyes out and she’s not an emotional kid.”
The mum said she made a formal complaint to Royal Mail.
The letter she was sent reads: “We wish to again express our regret and offer our apologies once more for the upset, especially to your young daughter.
“Royal Mail staff are family people, with cats, dogs and other pets, and we fully appreciate what a huge part of a home they are.
“That said, 33 Royal Mail staff are attacked by dogs every week and a lot of our colleagues have seen small nips, through to life-changing injuries on friends at work.
“We work closely with our health and safety team to ensure our staff are fully aware of the dangers of loose animals.
“We employ an absolute AVOID policy, whereby mail is returned to the office for a safe attempt delivery should any loose animals or pets be looking to what they see as defending their family, or space.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said in a statement: “Royal Mail treats all dog attacks on our postmen and postwomen very seriously. Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers.
“The vast majority of dog owners are very responsible and keep their pets under control. However, last year, there were 1,690 dog attacks on postmen and women in the UK – some resulting in life-changing injuries.
“We continue to appeal to dog owners and their families to help reduce the number of attacks, particularly at the door and in the garden.
“Customers who would like more information about how to prevent dog attacks when the postman visits their property, can visit our website at www.royalmail.com/dogawareness.”
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