A postman wearing an England football shirt has been captured on Ring doorbell footage kicking a partially blind 11-year-old shih tzu named Ethel so violently that the dog later died from organ failure and had to be put down.
Incident captured on doorbell camera in Aylesbury
The incident occurred in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, last Saturday shortly after the postman delivered a parcel at the home of owner Eve Lewis, 40. The footage shows the postman kicking the small dog into the air “like a football,” according to Lewis.
Ethel, who was partially blind and had only one tooth, was kicked so hard that she flew up, hit the ground, and rolled three times. The owner described the kick as a “toe punt,” emphasizing that the postman turned around deliberately to kick the dog even as he was walking away.
Dog died from internal bleeding and brain damage
Lewis, an NHS worker who also has a five-year-old son and another dog, a French bulldog named Stanley, rushed Ethel to a vet. The dog’s blood pressure dropped, and vets discovered internal bleeding and brain damage. Despite initial treatment, Ethel’s condition deteriorated overnight, and Lewis had to make the heartbreaking decision to have her put down.
“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,” Lewis told The Sun. “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.”
Royal Mail investigating, will cover vet costs
The Royal Mail has launched an investigation into the incident and confirmed it will pay the veterinary costs. A Royal Mail spokesman said: “We are deeply sorry for this distressing incident, and we know how upsetting it is for the family… 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.”
Police also investigating
Thames Valley Police are investigating the incident as a criminal damage and animal welfare case. A 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 (11/7) following a report on Sunday (12/7). Sadly, the victim's dog died of injuries.”
Police also reported a second incident in the Broughton area at around 11.30am the same day, believed to be connected. No arrests have been made, but enquiries and safeguarding measures are ongoing.
