Postman kicks dog across garden

A postman has been filmed kicking a dog across a driveway as Royal Mail insists its staff are coming under increased attack from pets.

Footage captured on a Ring doorbell camera shows the postman delivering a parcel to a teenage girl at an address in Greater Manchester.

As the child opens the door, the small dog can be heard barking before it runs out.

The postman glances down and proceeds to kick the animal, sending it sprawling across the drive. The Royal Mail employee promptly turns and leaves.

The girl’s mother says her daughter was distraught after the incident.

“My daughter was very upset. She was crying her eyes out and she’s not an emotional kid”, she said.

The family say the dog now “visibly shakes” and wets itself every time the doorbell rings.

Royal Mail has apologised but noted that 33 of its delivery workers are injured by dogs every week.

The postman involved claimed the animal nipped him on the ankle, causing him to kick it in a knee-jerk reaction.

‘Life-changing injuries’

In a letter apologising to the family, Royal Mail said: “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,” it added.

Last year, Royal Mail published a report which found the number of dog attacks on postmen and women had fallen by almost a third, mainly due to changes to deliveries because of the pandemic.

According to the report, there were 1,690 dog incidents, compared with 2,445 in 2019/20, but the company said the number of attacks is still too high, with 33 every week, some of which led to permanent and disabling injuries.

Royal Mail chiefs have previously indicated US-style post boxes could be installed across the UK in a bid to keep their workers safe from aggressive household pets.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “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.”