'I felt for that dog and the owner, but I also felt for the postie', one postman said

Colleagues of a Royal Mail postman who booted a blind dog to death earlier this month have defended his actions, citing frequent dog attacks on delivery workers from aggravated pets.

The delivery driver has been suspended after kicking Ethel, an 11-year-old Shih Tzu, to death outside a home in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

The incident was recorded by a Ring doorbell camera at the property as he delivered a parcel to owner Eve Lewis, 40.

The animal was kicked with such force she was sent flying through the air, before rolling along the ground multiple times.

Ethel was partially blind and had only one tooth remaining, meaning she posed no threat to the postal worker.

Veterinary staff were unable to save Ethel despite emergency treatment, as the dog's blood pressure dropped dramatically, before tragically dying due to organ failure.

Defending the impulsive and harrowing response of the worker, one postman told the Telegraph newspaper: “I kicked a terrier that bit my leg to get it off me, and I would do it again.

“I would say about 10 of us in my office have been bitten. It’s very common and it’s always the dogs that have ‘never done that before’".

Another postman added: “I felt for that dog and the owner, but I also felt for the postie.

“If you have been bitten, or been threatened with being bitten, it makes you scared. They come snapping at your ankles and it’s frightening.”

Another postal worker said: “I’m on his side. If you know the area you can do your best to keep safe - if you don’t then you’re supposed to not take any risks.”

Postal workers on social media also defended the worker’s actions, saying the dog appeared not to be under control in the footage, and that dog owners often insist their pet is “just being friendly”, even in the wake of an attack.

The driver, who was wearing an England football shirt at the time, reportedly denied attacking the pet when confronted by Ms Lewis.

Ms Lewis, an NHS worker, described the attack as particularly brutal given her pet's frail condition.

She said: "He didn't even just kick her - he toe punted her like she was a football. She flew up in the air and hit the ground and rolled three times. She went flying like she was a football."

"I just don't want this to happen to anyone else... I'm heartbroken and angry," Ms Lewis added.

Royal Mail has launched a full investigation into the incident and confirmed it will cover all veterinary expenses incurred by the family.

A spokesman for the postal service 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."

The company added it had reviewed the footage and would take appropriate action once its enquiries were complete.

Thames Valley Police have implemented safeguarding measures but have made no arrests in connection with the case.

Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is a criminal offence that can result in up to five years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine.

There were some 2,019 dog attacks against postal workers last year, according to Royal Mail - 61 of which caused significant injuries.

More than half of the attacks happened at the front door, and one in four took place in a garden, drive or yard.

Some 324 attacks took place through letterboxes, where dog owners are legally responsible for the actions of their pets, according to High Court precedent.