The number of dog attacks on Royal Mail postal workers has fallen for the first time in two years, but more than 2,000 delivery workers across the UK were still bitten while simply carrying out their jobs.
New figures released by Royal Mail reveal that 2,019 dog attacks were reported during the 2025/26 financial year, representing an 8% reduction compared with the previous year. However, the company says the figures remain “unacceptably high”, with an average of 38 postal workers attacked every week.
Many of these incidents resulted in serious injuries, lengthy absences from work and lasting psychological trauma.
One of those workers is postwoman Katy Davies, who suffered a devastating attack in January 2026 while delivering mail on her regular round.
A routine delivery became a life-changing incident
Ms Davies had worked the same route for three years and was familiar with the dog involved, which had never previously shown aggression.
As she entered a shared driveway, the dog ran towards her from behind before clamping onto her lower leg.
She recalled:
“Everything happened so quickly that I had no time to react.
I suddenly felt the impact as it clamped on to my lower leg, knocking me off my feet.
Before I knew it, I was on the ground in severe pain.”
The attack left her with five puncture wounds, tendon damage and injuries requiring stitches.
She was unable to walk without assistance for around three weeks, could not drive for approximately three months and remained off work while recovering.
Complications followed after the wounds became infected, prolonging an already painful rehabilitation. Although the physical injuries have largely healed, Ms Davies says the emotional impact continues.
“I’ll never quite be the same person I was before. The scars on my leg are permanent, but the mental scars run much deeper.”
Dog attacks affect far more than physical health
Royal Mail says dog attacks continue to cause serious disruption for workers and the postal service.
During 2025/26:
- 2,019 dog attacks were recorded.
- 3,442 working days were lost because of injuries.
- One employee was absent for more than 300 days.
- 324 injuries occurred through letterboxes.
- Around half of all attacks happened at the front door.
- One in four attacks occurred in gardens, driveways or yards.
- 135 attacks happened on streets or public roads.
The statistics also reveal regional hotspots.
For the second consecutive year, the Sheffield (S) postcode recorded the highest number of attacks with 61 incidents.
This was followed by:
- Doncaster (DN) – 53
- Guildford (GU) – 53
- Newcastle (NE) – 50
- Portsmouth (PO) – 50
The Workers Union calls for greater awareness
The Workers Union has consistently highlighted the risks faced by delivery and postal workers and has repeatedly called for greater public awareness surrounding dog attacks.
Jonathan Morgan, spokesperson for The Workers Union, said:
“Every worker has the right to carry out their job without fearing they may be attacked simply for delivering letters or parcels. While it is encouraging to see the number of incidents reduce, more than 2,000 attacks in a single year remains far too high. Behind every statistic is a worker whose life may have been changed forever.
We have highlighted this issue on numerous occasions because the consequences extend well beyond physical injuries. Many workers experience lasting psychological trauma, loss of confidence and extended periods away from work.
Responsible dog ownership protects everyone. Simple precautions, including securing dogs before answering the door or installing an external letterbox, can prevent entirely avoidable injuries.”
Royal Mail urges dog owners to take simple precautions
Royal Mail’s Health and Safety Director, Lizz Lloyd, welcomed the reduction in attacks but warned that the risks remain significant.
The company continues to encourage dog owners to:
- Secure dogs before opening the front door.
- Keep pets away from delivery workers.
- Install external letterboxes where practical.
- Use internal gates or barriers.
- Remember that even normally friendly dogs can behave unpredictably.
Ms Davies echoed those messages.
She said she still enjoys meeting dogs during her daily rounds but hopes owners never assume their pet would not bite.
“Your dog may be the friendliest dog in the world, but animals can act unpredictably.”
Why workplace dog attacks matter
Postal workers, delivery drivers, engineers, healthcare professionals, utility workers and many others regularly enter private property as part of their employment.
Under UK law, employers have duties to protect workers from foreseeable risks, while dog owners also have responsibilities to ensure their animals do not endanger lawful visitors.
Reducing attacks not only prevents painful injuries but also avoids significant emotional trauma, lost working time and disruption to essential public services.
As Royal Mail‘s latest figures demonstrate, progress is being made, but much more remains to be done before every postal worker can complete their daily round safely.
