Dog owner appeals for help after vicious attack leaves beloved Border Collie fighting for life in Ballymena

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A Ballymena dog owner has appealed for witnesses to come forward after his 10-year-old Border Collie was left fighting for her life following a violent attack by two loose Bully-type dogs in the town’s Demesne estate.

The incident happened at around 8.15pm on Thursday, June 18, on a green area at Glenshesk Drive near Demesne Avenue.

The owner says his dog, who was being walked on a lead at the time, suffered multiple puncture wounds to her face, legs and stomach after being set upon by the two dogs, which were allegedly running free without an owner in sight.

He was also bitten while desperately trying to pull the animals away from his pet.

“My 10-year-old brown Border Collie was attacked by two XL Bully-type dogs on the green at Glenshesk Drive, Demesne Avenue,” the owner said.

“My dog was on a lead at the time, but I had no chance to get away as both dogs came at us. I was also bitten while trying to pull the dogs off my dog.”

Serious injuries leave dog receiving emergency treatment

The owner said the attack left his dog with severe injuries and that she is now receiving veterinary treatment.

Describing the extent of the injuries, he said the Border Collie suffered multiple puncture wounds to her face, legs and stomach.

“Luckily my dog is still alive, only just,” he said.

While he sustained injuries himself during the ordeal, the owner said his focus remains entirely on his dog’s recovery.

“My concern is for her. Even though I was bit trying to save her, I’m not worried about myself. I just want my loyal companion back.”

The attack only came to an end after members of the public stopped to help.

“Thankfully, a couple stopped to help and the dogs eventually ran off,” he said.

The owner paid tribute to those who intervened, adding that he was “eternally grateful” for their assistance during the frightening incident.

Police and council dog warden investigating

Police confirmed they received a report of the attack on Thursday evening.

A PSNI spokesperson told Love Ballymena:

“Police received a report that two loose dogs had attacked another dog in the Demesne Avenue area of Ballymena on Thursday evening, 18th June.

“One man reported that he had sustained a hand injury.

“On police arrival at the scene, the dogs had been secured.

“Enquiries are ongoing in conjunction with the council dog warden.”

The investigation remains ongoing as police work with the local authority’s dog warden service to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Appeal for witnesses and footage

The owner is now urging anyone who witnessed the attack, or who may have captured footage on dashcam, CCTV or doorbell cameras, to contact police.

The appeal covers the area around Glenshesk Drive and Demesne Avenue at approximately 8.15pm on Thursday evening.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.

As enquiries continue, the owner says he remains hopeful that his “old friend” can recover from her injuries, while seeking answers about how the attack happened and who was responsible for the dogs involved.