Postal workers have rushed to defend a Royal Mail colleague who was filmed apparently kicking a blind Shih Tzu "like a football" shortly before the dog died, arguing the footage doesn't tell the full story. The incident has sparked a backlash on social media, with animal welfare campaigners condemning the worker's actions, while some fellow posties have pushed back publicly, insisting the clip is being misinterpreted or lacks context. The row highlights the tension between viral outrage sparked by shocking footage and colleagues' instinct to close ranks around one of their own.

Royal Mail is understood to be looking into the matter, though details of any formal action remain unclear. The dog, described as blind, reportedly died after the incident, intensifying public anger and prompting calls for accountability, while supporters of the worker maintain there were mitigating circumstances not captured in the clip that has circulated widely online.