A Royal Mail postman is facing intense public backlash after doorbell camera footage showed him kicking a cockapoo puppy in the face during a delivery in Leeds.
The incident occurred on 17 April, when Nikki Walker’s dog, Bella, ran out of a ground-floor window after hearing the garden gate open. Moments later, Nikki heard Bella yelp in pain and confronted the postman, who denied harming the dog. However, the doorcam footage clearly showed him drawing back his right leg and kicking Bella in the head as she approached him wagging her tail.
Walker, devastated after reviewing the footage with her daughter, said Bella was left shaken and cowering on the sofa—completely out of character. She described Bella as a friendly, affectionate puppy who posed no threat. “She wasn’t barking, she wasn’t aggressive,” Walker said. “She just ran over wagging her tail.”
When Walker confronted the postman and told him she’d review the footage, he reportedly responded, “Do what the f**k you want.”
Royal Mail has since removed the postman from Nikki’s route but also issued a warning that deliveries to her address could be suspended unless she installs a new fence to restrain Bella—an expense she estimates at £80. She says Royal Mail previously offered £100 in compensation.
The company defended the move, citing over 2,200 dog attacks on postal workers in the past year. A spokesperson said, “The vast majority of dog owners are very responsible… but we must prioritise the safety of our people.”
Public reaction online has been swift, with many calling for the postman’s immediate dismissal. Critics argue the footage shows a deliberate act of cruelty, not self-defence, especially given the size and behaviour of the puppy.
Walker says the postman’s actions were unjustifiable and that her family, particularly her daughter, remains deeply upset: “My daughter was mortified. Bella’s lucky it didn’t cause lasting harm.”
The incident has reignited debate over the often-tense relationship between dogs and postal workers—and where the line lies between defence and cruelty.
