Couple want apology after postman ‘kicked’ arthritic bulldog
ROYAL Mail is to give training to a postman on how to deal with animals after he allegedly kicked an arthritic dog in the head when it went to “greet” him.
John and Michelle Pollard claim the postal worker “assaulted” their rescue bulldog Jacko on the driveway of their home in Consett, County Durham.
A letter sent from the Royal Mail to the couple claimed the postman was “acting in self-defence” after Jacko “ran at him in an aggressive manner”. It said an investigation was ongoing.
The incident is said to have happened earlier this month as Mrs Pollard was leaving the house to take their three rescue bulldogs for a walk.
Mr Pollard, 46, said: “She was untangling the leads and accidentally dropped Jacko’s lead. He spotted the postman walking down the path and took off down, barking, to greet him.
“When he got to the end of the drive, the postman took two steps and kicked him in the head. Jacko turned on his heel and ran back to Michelle.”
The couple have written to the Royal Mail demanding an apology. They say Jacko, 10, has advanced arthritis in both hips and knees.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Dog attacks are a serious issue, with seven postmen and women on average being attacked every day. In this case, the postman was frightened by the dog’s behaviour and he will receive further training on how to deal with aggressive animals.”