Volunteer and Search Dog Injured in Vicious Attack in Bangor

A search and rescue volunteer, Ryan Gray, and his dog Max were viciously attacked by youths in Bangor, sustaining serious injuries. Both have a history of rescue missions, including Turkey's 2023 earthquake. Authorities are involved, and community leaders condemn the violence.

Volunteer and Dog Assaulted in Bangor

A search and rescue volunteer and his trained dog were both injured after being "viciously attacked" by a group of young people in Bangor, County Down.

K9 Search & Rescue NI reported that its founder, Ryan Gray, was walking his dog Max on Friday night when the assault occurred.

The charity's secretary, Paul Donley, stated that approximately 20 youths, both male and female, participated in the attack, physically assaulting Gray and Max by punching and kicking them.

Authorities have been contacted for a statement regarding the incident.

Injuries and Impact

Donley described the assault as "vicious," noting that Gray sustained serious facial injuries requiring treatment at a hospital emergency department. Max, the search dog, also sustained injuries necessitating veterinary care.

"I'd say the dog is very shaken up. I don't know how this is going to affect him,"

Donley expressed concern about Max's condition following the attack.

Background of Volunteer and Search Dog

Ryan Gray and Max are members of the K9 Search & Rescue NI team that participated in international rescue efforts, including a mission to Adana, Turkey, in 2023 following a devastating earthquake.

The earthquake, measuring 7.8 in magnitude, resulted in over 55,000 fatalities across Turkey and neighbouring Syria.

Donley highlighted Max's role in the rescue efforts, stating,

"Max was one of the last dogs to find a survivor in Turkey,"

Since then, both Gray and Max have been involved in numerous rescue operations across Ireland, England, and Spain, and were scheduled to be on standby on the Saturday following the attack.

Max is a black labrador-type dog. He is sitting in the back of a search and rescue van in front of his kennel. — Max has been involved in numerous search and rescue operations across the island of Ireland and further afield

Details of the Assault

During the attack, Gray attempted to protect Max from the group of youths.

"It's very upsetting, because this is a man who has dedicated himself to helping others, helping reunite families with people,"

Donley expressed his distress over the incident, emphasizing the dedication of Gray to humanitarian efforts.

The charity recently established a new base of operations in Bangor, which made the attack particularly disheartening.

"Things were looking up and then for this to happen, it's just hard to believe and it's angered me deeply, that youths can run around unchecked and attack whoever they want."

Community Response

North Down MLA Stephen Dunne commented on social media about a series of concerning incidents involving attacks, damage, and anti-social behaviour in Bangor city centre over recent days and weeks.

He conveyed his hopes for a full recovery for both Gray and Max.