Police and Royal Mail investigating incident after death of 11-year-old Shih Tzu
A postman reportedly killed a partially blind dog after kicking the animal across a driveway “like a football”.
Eve Lewis, the owner of Ethel, an 11-year-old Shih Tzu, claims the driver denied kicking the dog when he delivered her parcel in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, .
Ring doorbell footage, obtained by The Sun, appears to show the driver kicked the dog at around 11am on Saturday.
Vets later told the “heartbroken” owner the force of the attack caused the dog to suffer organ failure.
Royal Mail has reportedly suspended the delivery driver and the incident is being investigated.
Physically striking, poisoning, mutilating, or otherwise causing unjustified pain to any protected animal is a criminal offence and can carry a sentence of up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine.
Ms Lewis, a 40-year-old NHS worker, said Ethel was partially blind and had one tooth.
“He didn’t even just kick her, he toe punted her like she was a football,” she told The Sun.
“She flew up in the air and hit the ground and rolled three times. She went flying like she was a football.
“The thing is, the driver was walking away and still made the effort to turn around and kick her.”
“I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else. I’m heartbroken and angry.
“I’ve gone through about 100 packs of tissues.
“When the kids went to school and my partner went to work this morning there was just silence.”
Vets told Ms Lewis that Ethel suffered organ failure caused by blunt force trauma. She was told the dog would have irreversible brain damage and she decided to put her beloved pet down on Sunday.
Police said no arrests have been made but investigations are ongoing.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “Officers were made aware of a criminal damage and animal welfare incident at an address on Marston Gate around 10.45am on Saturday.
“Sadly, the victim’s dog died of injuries.”
“Subsequently, a later incident in the area of Broughton at around 11.30am was reported the same day. This is believed to be in connection with the criminal damage and animal welfare investigation.
“No arrests have been made but there is ongoing enquiries and safeguarding ongoing into these incidents.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson 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. We have seen the footage and launched a full investigation to establish the circumstances. We have also confirmed to the family that we will cover the veterinary costs.
“We take animal welfare and the safety of our people very seriously. Dog-related incidents can present a serious risk to postal workers, and we will take any appropriate action once our investigation is complete.”