Bramble the dog who has attracted thousands of supporters while fighting to survive a mauling in Co Derry, is at the centre of an investigation by local authorities after a claim he attacked a dog walker.
The local council’s dog control team have confirmed they received a complaint about the Labrador following an incident in which the dog was seriously injured.
It is understood the complaint was made after Bramble was mauled by a lurcher type dog, one of five being walked off-lead last month during an altercation at 3.30am.
The five-year-old golden Labrador sustained horrific injuries and remains under the specialist care of Drumahoe Vets in Co Derry after being taken for emergency medical treatment by a local animal charity on February 23.
He has undergone numerous surgeries to try to save both back legs which were severely damaged in the incident.
WARNING: Images of surgery follow that some readers may find distressing
Bramble was found by an animal rescue charity in a garden more than 24 hours after the situation unfolded in the Glengalliagh area of Derry, and was initially too ill to be operated on. He was given antibiotics and treatment to try to save his hind legs started the following day.
His vet Julian Kozlowski said at the time it was unclear if he could survive physically and mentally due to the seriousness and extent of the wounds and the shock he had suffered.
But almost a month into his treatment, Julian said: "Bramble is very compliant and gentle even when he was in terrible pain and fear. He has been having his wounds flushed and dressed twice a day which is a difficult thing to cope with and he has allowed the team to work with him.
"We don't know the details of what happened to Bramble, we are just dealing with the injuries he presented and he is doing well now but it's slow progress. He has been very easy to deal with, not challenging us in any way.
WARNING: Images of surgery follow that some readers may find distressing
"So far he's been the perfect patient and we're delighted his injuries are healing as well as they are."
Almost a month on, Bramble’s recovery continues with the vet team, and he faces several more surgeries if healing continues.
No owner has yet come forward to claim Bramble and while he is under the medical care of Drumahoe Vets, he has been taken under the pastoral care of a local animal rescue charity who found him.
Bramble is expected to be fostered before the summer to continue his recovery and then an adoptive home will be sought for him.
A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed: "The dog control team has received a report of an incident in which a person was injured, and is currently investigating."
Belfast Live contacted the member of the public who claims he was attacked by Bramble. He declined to comment.
