THE OWNER of search and rescue dog Max has said both of them are doing well after they were assaulted by a gang of up to 20 teenagers in Co. Down last week.
Ryan Gray, a member of the Coast Guard and founder of K9 Search and Rescue NI, was with Max on High Street in Bangor when they were attacked at around 7.50pm on Friday, March 27.
Mr Gray reportedly suffered a fractured eye socket and lost teeth in the attack, while Max was kicked a number of times.
The incident drew widespread condemnation, including from Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
Four teenagers — a 16-year-old girl, two 15-year-old boys and a 13-year-old boy — have since been charged, with police promising more arrests.
However, while thanking people for their messages of support, Mr Gray said more needed to be done to curb anti-social behaviour and added that he wanted to help young people.
'A little jumpy'
In an update, Mr Gray revealed he had been punched to the ground, kicked about the head and jumped on because he 'challenged behaviour I believed was wrong'.
He added that he had been completely overwhelmed by the support he and Max had received but questioned whether the dog could resume rescue work.
"The calls, messages, visits and gifts have meant more than I can put into words," he added.
"I am truly grateful to every single person — including those I've never met.
"Max is doing well. He's not in pain, but he is understandably staying very close and is a little jumpy at the moment.
Max will be assessed to see if he can return to rescue work (Image: K9 Search and Rescue NI / Facebook)"We have to remember that Max was rescued from Assisi [Animal Sanctuary] and this may have brought back some of that past for him.
"Over the coming weeks, we'll assess whether he is able to return to operational work.
"I continue to recover at home. As a precaution, I attended hospital again [on Tuesday] to address a minor issue related to my injuries, but I am otherwise doing well."
He added: "We talk about community, respect and safety, but right now too many people don't feel safe.
"If people feel they cannot speak up against poor behaviour without fear of violence, then something has gone badly wrong. Why should we be expected to put our heads down and ignore it?"
'A warning sign'
Mr Gray said the attack was something he never thought he would experience but admitted anti-social behaviour was on the increase in Bangor.
He added that everyone needed to work together to tackle the issue meaningfully before it gets worse.
"This should be a warning sign for all of us. We also need to be honest about where responsibility lies," he said.
"We cannot keep placing all of this at the door of the police. They are already overstretched, under constant pressure and dealing with emergencies every single day.
"I'm also not here to simply blame parents. I imagine most believe their children are out acting responsibly — but the reality is, that's not always the case.
"If we ignore this, there is a real risk of more serious harm in our communities.
"These young people need guidance, boundaries and accountability. If we don't step in and take responsibility, the consequences will continue to affect all of us.
“I believe this has gained so much attention not only because Max was involved but because this has been a growing issue in Bangor and it has now come to a head.
"I would genuinely like to be part of the solution — to help guide young people onto a better path. But that can't be done alone. It needs support, structure and professional input to make a real difference.
"Let's use this moment to do something meaningful — not just talk. If you can offer professional support and feel the same way, please reach out."
Everything from irishpost.com and the print edition is available on the Irish Post App — plus more! Download it for Android or Apple IOS devices today.
