A Royal Mail delivery driver has been suspended after kicking a partially blind dog to death outside a home in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 11am on Saturday, was recorded by a Ring doorbell camera at the property.
Ethel, an 11-year-old Shih Tzu, was struck by the postman as he delivered a parcel to owner Eve Lewis, 40.
The animal was kicked with such force she was sent flying through the air before rolling along the ground multiple times.
The driver, who was wearing an England football shirt at the time, reportedly denied attacking the pet when confronted by Ms Lewis.
Ms Lewis, an NHS worker, described the attack as particularly brutal given her pet’s frail condition.
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. She went flying like she was a football.”
The owner noted the driver had been walking away before turning back to strike the animal.
A Royal Mail delivery driver has been suspended
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Ethel was partially blind and had only one tooth remaining, meaning she posed no threat to the postal worker.
“I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else… I’m heartbroken and angry,” Ms Lewis added.
Veterinary staff were unable to save Ethel despite emergency treatment. The dog’s blood pressure dropped dramatically, requiring tubes to be inserted, before internal bleeding was discovered.
Ms Lewis remained at the veterinary surgery overnight but returned the following morning to find her pet barely conscious.
A partially blind dog was kicked to death
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She said: “We always called her Ethel 2.0 because after every surgery she had she would bounce back, but she didn’t make it this time. She was an old gal.”
Vets determined Ethel had suffered organ failure as a result of blunt force trauma, along with irreversible brain damage.
Ms Lewis made the decision to have her pet put down on Sunday.
Royal Mail has launched a full investigation into the incident and confirmed it will cover all veterinary expenses incurred by the family.
A spokesman for the postal service 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 company added it had reviewed the footage and would take appropriate action once its enquiries were complete.
Thames Valley Police have implemented safeguarding measures but have made no arrests in connection with the case.
Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is a criminal offence that can result in up to five years’ imprisonment or an unlimited fine.