A dog has been left seriously injured following a seagull attack in Co Down .
Now an animal rescue group has issued a warning to dog walkers on beaches around Northern Ireland after the pet needed emergency treatment to his face and eye.
The dog was being walked off lead on a beach in South Down last week when the incident happened.
It was left with a serious injury to its left eye which was left bloody.
The owner sent a warning to other dog walkers via Doggy 911 Rescue South Down , an animal rescue group.
A spokesperson said: “A member of public had taken their animals for a walk along a beach in Co Down.
“As the dog was playing happily on the beach a seagull that had already been injured, came upon the dog doing serious damage to its left eye. This left the dog very distressed and badly injured.
“This can happen on any beach. The injured or sick seagull was lying at water’s edge and the dog spotted it and ran over, probably sticking his face down to see what it was. But the sea gull pecked the dog. It all happened so quickly. The dog yelped and ran back to his owner.
“The dog had caused no risk to the seagull whatsoever to cause the seagull to attack.
“We ask all members of public to take notice when out walking with your pets. Seagulls can cause serious damage.
“The owner has taken the dog to the vets for treatment.”
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