WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Nikki checked the video footage and was horrified to see the Royal Mail postie, who has not been identified, kicking her beloved family pet
A Royal Mail postie has been caught on camera violently kicking a woman’s puppy in the face on her doorstep.
Royal Mail staff deliver mail to millions of homes across the UK and while most members of staff are very polite and welcoming some shocking incidents have been caught on camera up and down the UK.
This shocking incident happened last month in Leeds, West Yorkshire, when Nikki Walker, 49, was working from home. When her one-year-old rescue cockapoo Bella heard the garden gate open, like most dogs would, she went to explore, but the moments that followed left the family mortified.
Nikki rushed to the front door when she heard Bella yelp in pain to find a Royal Mail wroker delivering two letters. She claims the worker denied hurting Bella and told her to “do what the f**k she wants” when she threatened to check her doorcam footage.
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Shortly after the shocking incident Nikki checked the video footage and was horrified to see it captured the moment the Royal Mail postie, who has not been identified, kicking her beloved family pet. The mum-of-four says she was “absolutely fuming” after seeing the footage and as a result made a formal complaint to Royal Mail.
In response to her complaint she claims she was offered £100 and a home visit from a staff member to apologise. Royal Mail claim two other posties have reported Bella growling at them and insisted their “first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety” of staff.
The postie caught kicking Bella has now been removed from the round and won’t be delivering to the address on Nikki’s request.
Reflecting on the moments after the shocking incident Nikki told The Sun: “Bella ran into the house, curled and cowered on the sofa and that’s not like her. I knew something had happened. I sat next to her to watch the video and when I did I was absolutely fuming. She was wagging her tail. She wasn’t aggressive or barking. She’s a faithful puppy. She loves cuddles, attention and she’d sit on your knee for hours.”
In order for Royal Mail to continue to deliver to her address Nikki had to build new fencing which cost her £80. She feels the company is treating Bella like a “dangerous” dog despite her claiming she’s never bitten anyone.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our postmen and a dog in Leeds 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 over 2,200 dog attacks on postmen and women in the UK – some resulting in life-changing injuries. We continue to appeal to dog owners to secure their pets when the postie arrives to help reduce the number of attacks, particularly at the door and in the garden.”