A family in Co Antrim have been left “totally heartbroken” after their beloved dog was knocked over and killed by a postman — and now they want to ensure it “never happens to anyone else”.
The incident happened on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 30, at the McGregor family home in Ballymoney.
Footage from the family’s doorbell camera shows a Royal Mail van colliding with little Toby in the McGregors’ private yard.
The small animal can be seen picking himself up before going over to the grass and collapsing.
Toby later died in the arms of his primary owner within the household, Victoria, who works from home as a massage therapist.
Victoria’s sister Naomi said that she, her parents and two siblings have been “completely rocked”.
“Toby was the best dog. He was so smart, he understood everything,” she said.
“He was so well-trained and listened to everything. Our whole family has been literally devastated. He was the best boy.
“I was meant to be working in England and I flew back that night once I heard. We had a little funeral for him with sparklers around his grave and now he’s at the front of our garden. He was only eight, he shouldn’t be gone.”
Toby was run over by a Royal Mail driver in October 2024
Victoria stressed that they now want their story to be highlighted publicly because Toby “could have been a toddler or young child”.
She posted about their ordeal on a local Facebook page and within a short space of time, said she was inundated with messages from other people who had been though something similar.
“There are 11 dogs (including Toby) and one cat who have been killed by Royal Mail, that I have been made aware of since sharing Toby’s passing,” she continued.
“We received a letter from Royal Mail’s solicitor and then were told they would pay vet bills and buy me a new dog, but they are taking absolutely no responsibility for any of this.
“They are gaslighting us. They say that the dog ran towards the vehicle and that it was unavoidable, but then sent me a letter accepting liability — they are gaslighting. It’s kind of crazy.”
The McGregor family said that when they raised their concerns with the Ballymoney Royal Mail sorting office, and then subsequently phoned Royal Mail directly, they were repeatedly told that Toby’s tragic situation was the family’s “own fault”.
“We have no hedges or bushes,” Victoria added. “Toby can be seen and heard quickly. It was reckless driving.
“We were told we should have a letterbox at the end of our drive if we had pets in the yard — nowhere on their website does it mention that guidance and we have never been told that before.
“Toby was eight and I have had him since he was six weeks old.” Royal Mail does have tips online to help pet owners prevent dog attacks on posties — of which there have been 2.206 in the last year.
One line states that mail can be suspended if a dog is running loose outdoors, and another recommendation includes installing an external letterbox in order to prevent dog bites, but there is no visible mention of tips to prevent animals being accidentally run over.
Naomi said that they were also told at their local branch that it could have been different had Toby been knocked over on the public road, but as it was their private yard there was “nothing they could do”.
“A comment was actually made that it’s so common that these things happen,” she noted.
“If it was that common, why hasn’t something been done about it?”
Victoria has now urged Royal Mail to give its drivers with “proper training”, including fitting dash cams on all of their vehicles. “I need to make it abundantly clear that I forgive the driver,” she added.
“I am holding the company responsible due to lack of guidance and training. Royal Mail needs to learn to take accountability.
“This is one of the most traumatic experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve had a few, and that’s up there.
“I lost my dog in a very violent, unfortunate and unnecessary way. I had to provide Royal Mail with proof that they killed my dog. Where is their proof?”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We are deeply sorry to hear of this tragic accident. We have engaged with the family and express our full sympathies.”
The company said that the driver involved is “deeply upset about the incident” and that “the dog ran towards the van”. “Our driver was moving slowly, he braked to avoid the animal but unfortunately there was a collision.
“Local management have engaged with the family and express their full sympathies.”