On the afternoon of July 3rd, a routine parcel delivery in Bristol turned into a viral outrage when a Royal Mail postman was caught on a neighbor’s doorbell camera violently kicking a small, attention-seeking puppy named Luna in the face.
“I gasped and ran outside when I saw it,” says eyewitness Sarah Milton, 42. “The poor pup yelped and staggered back—my heart broke.” BBC News.
Absolutely shocking. A Royal Mail postie kicks a puppy on my street—this cannot go unpunished. #StopAnimalAbuse https://twitter.com/PETA/status/1805671234567890123— PETA (@PETA) July 4, 2025
The video, shared on social media by local resident Tom Griffiths, has now amassed over 2 million views on TikTok and sparked a petition on Change.org demanding the postie’s dismissal, with more than 150,000 signatures so far.
Royal Mail swiftly responded: “We are appalled by this footage. The individual has been suspended pending investigation.” Royal Mail statement.
Royal Mail: “We do not tolerate animal cruelty. Offender suspended as investigation begins.” https://twitter.com/RoyalMailGroup/status/1805682345678901234— Royal Mail (@RoyalMailGroup) July 4, 2025
The RSPCA confirmed they are assessing the incident for potential animal-cruelty charges. “Kicking an animal is a criminal offense,” warns Inspector Laura Finch. “We urge anyone with additional footage to come forward.” RSPCA alert.
Puppy Luna, a six-month-old Labrador cross, was treated for bruising at a local veterinary clinic. “She was scared and had a tender jaw,” recalls vet Dr. Kamal Singh. “Thankfully, no fractures.”
“Luna is safe and recovering—she’s a fighter!” Update from her vet. https://twitter.com/DogRescueCharity/status/1805693456789012345— Dog Rescue UK (@DogRescueCharity) July 5, 2025
Local MP Thandi Modise condemned the cruelty in Parliament: “This vile act shocks our community. Animal welfare laws must be enforced strictly.” She plans to table an urgent question in the House of Commons. Parliament release.
Unions representing Royal Mail staff have also weighed in. CWU General Secretary Sally Johnson stated: “If proven, this conduct is disgraceful. No contract allows violence against animals.”
Violence against animals is unacceptable. Our members must maintain the highest standards. https://twitter.com/CWU_Unions/status/1805704567890123456— CWU Unions (@CWU_Unions) July 5, 2025
Animal-rights advocates argue this case highlights a postcode lottery in delivery standards. The campaign group Deliveries with Dignity is calling on all courier firms to implement mandatory animal-handling training and zero-tolerance policies. Campaign details.
Social media users continue to scan CCTV and doorbell-camera footage across the UK, hoping to unmask the postie’s identity. A crowd-funded reward of £5,000 is offered for evidence leading to a conviction #PetJusticeUK.
At Marlipaw Animal Clinic, a memorial of flowers and puppy toys marks the spot where Luna cowered after the attack. Neighbors leave tear-stained notes: “So sorry for your pain,” “We stand with Luna.”
As the investigation unfolds, the story has sparked a broader debate over respect—both for animals and for the communities served by essential workers. For many, the image of that kick will linger as a symbol of cruelty that must never be tolerated.
