A little dog run over by two people on a scrambler bike in a country park, has survived surgery to try to save her back legs.
Maud, a two-year-old Poodle, was walking with owner Martin Fegan in Creggan Country Park, Derry, on February 13 when she was the victim of a terrifying hit and run.
After emergency treatment at Whitehouse vets in Derry to prevent Maud going into shock, she was transferred for specialist care to the Earlswood Veterinary clinic in Belfast where she underwent extensive surgery.
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Martin said: "I'm very relieved to say that Maud has come through a lengthy surgery and the surgeon was very happy with how the operation went. She had a metal plate in her leg on the main fracture to try to secure it enough to heal but there are other fractures where it was not possible to use a plate on.
"She had her surgery on February 14, her second birthday, and she won't be back home with me for a while because she is on heavy pain relief which has to be administered by injection so I couldn't do it at home.
"I'm just so grateful to all the help Maud had received and all the support and kindness I've received too. She is a great wee dog and means the absolute world to me and I'll be sure to let everyone know when I get her home to start the next part of her healing process.
"It's going to be a long haul, she will be confined to a crate for about eight weeks and will have to undergo physiotherapy to try to get as full a recovery as possible. It's a bit daunting but we'll do everything we've been advised to do. The fact is, she is lucky to be alive so I'm concentrating on the fact that she's still here."
Maud is insured but her care will cost in excess of what is available through the insurance. But fortunately Earslwood Veterinary clinic vets are hoping she may be able to avail of the company's "Angel Fund" which can be used to help out with seriously ill pets where there are financial constraints.
Maud has already been the subject of huge public support and DogsLive, our dog dedicated site has been approached by members of the public hoping to make donations towards her care.
Owner Martin, 65, a retired painter and decorator from the Glenowen area, said: “I had to retire a year ago after I suffered a heart attack and that's once of the reasons I walk every day, but it's mostly for Maud's benefit and exercise.
"She is insured and I was worried about trying to pay off the rest of the bill so I was very relieved to know that Earlswood Vets has a fund to help out. And I'm also very humbled to hear that anyone has wanted to donate to help me out. It's very moving.
"But I think people can see what a wee pet Maud is from her photos. She knows my every move and this is the first time she's every been separated from me. To be honest I’m lost without her.. But I'm holding on to the fact that she has survived so far and although she's small, she's a determined wee thing and she'll keep trying to get better too."
Police are investigating the incident and have appealed for witnesses. A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police in Derry/Londonderry are appealing for witnesses to an incident in Creggan Country Park where a dog was struck by a scrambler on Tuesday, February 13. The incident occurred at around 3pm when a man was walking along the pathway with his pet Poodle, towards Forest Park.
“It’s reported a blue-coloured scrambler was being driven at speed when it struck the dog. The driver, reported to be carrying a passenger, drove on before stopping at the end of the pathway and then making off towards Forest Park. Members of the public came to the aid of the man and his pet, who is receiving treatment for her injuries.”
Foyleside and Moor Neighbourhood Policing Team Constable White added: “This was a terrifying incident, and the owner is incredibly upset at what happened. The dog, called Maud, is a much loved family pet, who has been badly injured and requires extensive treatment, including surgery, for serious injuries.
“We’re keen to hear from the members of the public who helped the man and dog yesterday. We’re also asking anyone who may have been in the park and captured footage of the scrambler and where it went after making off, to get in touch with us.
“When these machines are being driven at speed, creating a nuisance in built-up areas, close to people and homes, this is dangerous and reckless. Not only is there the impact on people’s lives in the community, but there are also serious safety concerns.
“Some scramblers do not comply with Construction and Use Regulations and Vehicle Safety Standards and therefore are restricted to “off-road” use only. This does not mean that they can be driven anywhere off-road.
“These vehicles should only be driven on private land where the landowner has given permission and should not be driven on pavements, roads, public property or parks. Insurance and safety equipment must be complied with as well in order to drive these vehicles legally.
“To anyone thinking about buying these vehicles, in particular parents for their children, we urge them to first think about where it is going to be used and the legalities surrounding its use.”
Police want anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference 1155 of 13/02/24 or make a report online via www.psni.police.uk/report Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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