Royal Mail has reported 2,019 dog attacks on its workers over the past year, an 8 per cent decrease from the previous year, but the postal service warns the number remains unacceptably high. On average, 38 postal employees are attacked each week, with some incidents causing permanent and disabling injuries.
The S postcode area covering Sheffield recorded the highest number of attacks for the second consecutive year, with 61 incidents. Doncaster (DN) and Guildford (GU) were joint second with 53 attacks each, followed by Newcastle (NE) and Portsmouth (PO) with 50.
Around half of all attacks occurred at the front door, a 4 per cent increase on the previous year. Royal Mail emphasised that the majority of incidents happen on private property, where postal workers have a legal right to access. One in four attacks took place in a garden, drive or yard, and there were 135 attacks in the street.
Katy Davies, a postwoman in Bristol, was attacked in January 2026 while delivering mail. The dog, which she had known for years and had never shown aggression, bit her below the knee, causing five puncture wounds, tendon damage, and a severe infection. Ms Davies was unable to walk unaided for three weeks, could not drive for three months, and was off work for three months.
She said the psychological impact was the worst, leaving her anxious and depressed. 'The scars on my leg are permanent, but the mental scars run much deeper,' she said. Royal Mail urged dog owners to secure their pets before opening the door to prevent such incidents.
