A Royal Mail employee took more than 300 days of sick leave following a dog attack, as figures show a decline in the number of dog attacks on postal workers but a significant increase in days lost due to such incidents. According to the latest data for the 2025-26 period, Royal Mail staff took 3,442 sick days as a result of dog attacks—an increase of 27 percent from the previous year—despite an 8 percent decrease in the total number of attacks, which fell to 2,019 from 2,197.

The average number of weekly dog attacks on mail carriers remained steady at around 38 incidents per week nationwide. The data reveals that while fewer workers are being attacked, the severity or recovery time from injuries may have increased, contributing to the rise in sick leave taken. In the prior year, the longest single absence due to a dog bite was 108 days, whereas one postal worker last year required over 300 days off.

Geographically, the S (Sheffield) postcode area recorded the highest number of attacks for the second consecutive year, with 61 reported incidents. Other areas with notable figures included DN (Doncaster) and GU (Guildford), both reporting 53 attacks each, followed by NE (Newcastle) and PO (Portsmouth), each with 50 incidents. Approximately half of these attacks occurred at the front door of properties, marking a 4 percent increase from the previous year. One-quarter of assaults took place in gardens, drives, or yards, and 135 incidents were reported in streets or roads.

One postwoman, Katy Davies from Bristol, shared her experience after being attacked in January 2026 while delivering mail. Despite being familiar with the dog involved, it suddenly charged at her and inflicted five puncture wounds below her knee, two requiring stitches, along with tendon damage. She was unable to walk unaided for three weeks and took three months off work to recover. The wounds later became infected, prolonging her recovery, and she described enduring significant psychological impacts, including anxiety and depression.

Royal Mail’s health and safety director, Liz Lloyd, emphasized the ongoing risk dog attacks pose to postal workers and urged dog owners to take precautions. “We’re encouraging pet owners to keep their dogs secure before opening the door to help protect our staff from injury,” Lloyd said. She also acknowledged the slight reduction in dog attacks as positive but stressed that the number of incidents remains unacceptably high, causing painful injuries and lasting distress for affected workers.