Owner Hits Out at Amazon After Pet Hurt During Delivery

Published: 18 November 2025 Tuesday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Amazon has come under intense criticism after a delivery driver working for the company ran over a family dog, leaving it seriously injured, and the company’s response to the incident was widely described as “insulting” by the pet owner. The incident occurred on September 21 in Otley, Leeds, when Molly, a 12-year-old German Shepherd, was struck by a van operated by one of Amazon’s delivery service partners. According to her owner, Steve Cockerham, Molly suffered extensive tissue and ligament damage, requiring immediate and ongoing veterinary treatment.

Mr Cockerham revealed that the veterinary costs for Molly’s care had already reached £1,200, a figure he expects will continue to rise as her recovery progresses. In what he considered an inadequate gesture, Amazon reportedly sent the family a dog bed valued at £25 as an apology, prompting strong criticism from Mr Cockerham, who said that the gift was far from an appropriate response to the trauma and financial burden the family had faced.

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that the company was aware of the incident and said they were “working to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.” However, they emphasised that the driver involved was an independent contractor, and that compensation responsibility fell to the delivery service company rather than Amazon directly.

The incident was captured on CCTV, though Mr Cockerham did not witness it firsthand. He noticed the driver leaving the driveway hurriedly after delivering a gift to mark his twentieth wedding anniversary and observed Molly in obvious distress shortly afterward, though he did not immediately understand the cause. It was only after reviewing the CCTV footage that the family realised Molly had been struck by the van.

The footage reportedly shows the delivery van approaching the driveway slowly while another dog moves past. Molly is seen lying on the ground as the vehicle approaches, attempting to move as the van makes contact, before both the dog and the van move out of view. Mr Cockerham explained that, fortunately, none of the wheels passed fully over Molly, who became trapped momentarily under the van but was able to scramble out. He described the scene as “absolutely horrifying” and criticised the driver’s lack of care and attention.

Mr Cockerham expressed concern that Molly’s treatment could continue for years, involving costly veterinary care, yet Amazon indicated they would not consider reviewing his claim for costs until the treatment had concluded. He said this policy left the family “significantly out of pocket” and felt that Amazon was turning a blind eye to the ongoing expenses. He called for the company to cover veterinary bills on an ongoing basis, rather than delaying compensation until the end of treatment.

The dog owner also took issue with Amazon sending a dog bed as a form of apology, describing it as “insulting.” He told reporters, “It feels a little bit insulting that they are prepared to walk away from the real issue and think that the dog bed solves the problem. I would like to speak to somebody at Amazon to get some kind of acknowledgement of the distress and the turmoil this has caused.”

An Amazon spokesperson reiterated that delivery drivers are independent contractors and not directly employed by Amazon. The spokesperson also highlighted that any compensation claims were the responsibility of the delivery company. Despite this clarification, Mr Cockerham emphasised the emotional toll the incident had taken on the family, describing the distress, fear, and anxiety experienced by both himself and his wife.

The story has attracted considerable attention from the media and animal welfare advocates, raising questions about accountability for incidents involving delivery drivers working for large companies through third-party contractors. Critics argue that while Amazon may not directly employ the drivers, the company has a duty of care to ensure that safety protocols and training are adequate to prevent harm to pets, property, or residents during deliveries.

Animal welfare experts have also weighed in, highlighting the traumatic impact of such accidents on pets. The psychological effects on dogs can include fear, anxiety, and stress, which can complicate recovery even after physical injuries are treated. The case underscores the broader risks posed when delivery operations involve residential driveways and areas where pets are present.

The financial implications for families are significant, as veterinary bills for serious injuries can quickly escalate. In this instance, Molly required urgent treatment to repair tissue and ligament damage, and her recovery may involve ongoing therapy, medications, and follow-up visits. For many pet owners, incidents like this can create both emotional and financial strain.

Police were contacted regarding the incident, and the BBC has reached out to West Yorkshire Police for comment. Mr Cockerham confirmed he had also reported the matter, highlighting the seriousness with which he is pursuing accountability for the accident. He stressed that while he does not blame the delivery driver personally, he expects Amazon to take responsibility and ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Industry observers note that incidents of pets being injured by delivery vehicles are not uncommon, particularly in residential areas with active traffic and frequent courier visits. Experts recommend that companies employing third-party delivery services implement strict protocols for approaching homes, managing driveways, and securing areas where pets are present. Ensuring that drivers are trained to look out for animals and take precautionary measures is considered essential in preventing such accidents.

Molly’s case has drawn attention to the limitations of corporate accountability in situations where independent contractors are involved. Consumer rights advocates argue that companies outsourcing services should remain ultimately responsible for ensuring safe delivery practices, as end-users have limited recourse against individual contractors. They also emphasise that compensation frameworks should be clear, timely, and sensitive to the emotional and financial consequences for affected families.

This incident is likely to spark further debate about how large delivery firms manage third-party drivers and handle claims when accidents occur. In addition to corporate responsibility, the story highlights the emotional bond between pet owners and their animals and the distress caused when injuries result from preventable accidents. Advocates stress that while pets cannot advocate for themselves, companies should consider the welfare of animals a critical aspect of operational safety.

For the Cockerham family, the incident has been a deeply upsetting experience. Steve described the aftermath as emotionally challenging, particularly as the family watched Molly struggle with pain and mobility issues following the accident. He expressed hope that Amazon and the delivery service partner would acknowledge the impact and work proactively to cover ongoing veterinary costs, rather than waiting until all treatments were completed.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance during deliveries, especially in homes with pets. While delivery services have become an integral part of modern life, balancing efficiency with safety is crucial. This includes ensuring that drivers are trained to be attentive and cautious when navigating driveways and yards, and that families are aware of potential risks.

In summary, the incident involving Molly, the German Shepherd injured by an Amazon delivery van, has raised questions about corporate accountability, delivery safety, and pet welfare. The response from Amazon has been widely criticised by the pet owner and consumer groups, who argue that financial gestures such as a dog bed are insufficient in addressing the serious harm caused. With ongoing veterinary treatment and the financial burden it entails, the family continues to call for a more meaningful acknowledgment and compensation from Amazon and the associated delivery service.