Bangor Community Rallies After Brutal Attack on Search and Rescue Dog Max

A Bangor community fundraiser has been launched after K9 Search and Rescue NI founder Ryan Gray and his rescue dog Max were violently attacked. The incident has intensified concerns about rising antisocial behaviour in the area, with local leaders urging support for the vital life-saving organisation.

Fundraiser Launched After Attack on K9 Search and Rescue NI Team

A major fundraising campaign has been launched in Bangor following a shocking attack on a local search and rescue team that has left the community outraged.

The appeal was organised by local resident and Breezemount Community Association Chairperson Leanne Bellerby, who is calling for urgent support for K9 Search and Rescue Northern Ireland (K9SARNI). The voluntary organisation plays a crucial role in locating missing persons and assisting in emergency situations across Northern Ireland and beyond.

The fundraiser comes after K9SARNI founder Ryan Gray and his highly trained rescue dog Max were violently attacked by a group of youths on Friday 27 March. The incident has sparked widespread anger and renewed concern about antisocial behaviour in Bangor.

Rising Concerns Over Antisocial Behaviour in Bangor

The attack has not occurred in isolation. Concerns around antisocial behaviour in Bangor have been growing, with increasing calls from residents and community leaders for action.

Recent reports highlighted ongoing issues affecting local neighbourhoods, with residents describing the situation as escalating and deeply worrying. Community representatives have stressed that incidents like the attack on Ryan and Max underline the urgent need for intervention and stronger support for local policing and youth engagement initiatives.

Leanne Bellerby has been vocal on the issue, helping to bring attention to both the attack and the wider challenges facing the area through coverage in regional media.

Who Are K9 Search and Rescue NI?

K9 Search and Rescue Northern Ireland is a highly respected voluntary organisation based in Bangor. It provides specialist search and rescue services using trained dogs to locate missing persons in critical situations.

Ryan Gray – Founder and Frontline Responder

• Founder of K9SARNI
• War veteran who served two tours in Iraq
• Senior Coastguard Operations Officer with HM Coastguard
• Advocate for recognition and support of volunteer rescue teams
• Invited to Buckingham Palace in 2023 to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla, recognising humanitarian work following the Turkey earthquake

Ryan has dedicated his life to helping others, both through his military service and his continued work in emergency response.

Meet Max – The Rescue Dog at the Centre of the Story

Max is far more than a working dog. He is a rescue animal adopted from Assisi Animal Sanctuary who has gone on to achieve extraordinary success in life-saving operations.

Max’s Key Achievements

• Deployed to Adana, Turkey, after the devastating 2023 earthquake
• Helped locate survivors in one of the world’s most challenging disaster zones
• Trained in live air scent searches and cadaver detection
• Participated in operations across Ireland, the UK, and Spain
• Recently involved in search efforts in Scotland in 2026

Max’s work has directly contributed to saving lives and bringing closure to families in distress.

Community Response and Call for Support

Following the attack, the Bangor community has come together in support of Ryan and Max, as well as the wider K9SARNI team.

Leanne Bellerby has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the organisation recover from the incident and continue its vital work. The funds will support operational costs, equipment, and ensure the team can remain active in search and rescue missions.

The campaign also aims to send a strong message that violence against those serving the community will not be tolerated.

Support the fundraiser here: GoFundMe 

Why This Matters

K9 Search and Rescue NI provides a service that is often relied upon in the most critical and emotional moments. Their work supports families searching for missing loved ones and plays a key role in emergency response efforts.

Incidents like this not only impact the individuals involved but risk undermining services that communities depend on.

The attack on Ryan Gray and Max has struck a chord across Northern Ireland, highlighting both the invaluable work of volunteer rescue teams and the growing concerns around antisocial behaviour.

With the launch of the fundraiser, the Bangor community is taking a stand—supporting those who dedicate their lives to helping others and ensuring that K9 Search and Rescue NI can continue its life-saving mission.