A police horse attacked by an American Bully dog in a public park in shocking video has been pictured befriending a Labrador and remains a 'dog lover' despite his recent ordeal, according to officers.
The horrific video posted on social media last month went viral and showed the horse, named Urbane, being savaged by an off-lead dog while two mounted officers were on duty in Victoria Park, Hackney east London.
In the footage, the American Bully can be seen clamping its jaws around Urbane's leg, refusing to release its grip, as officers screamed for the animal to be put on a lead.
Members of the public were forced to intervene - with one man using a stick to try and shoo the dog away.
Pictures shared by the Met Police Taskforce - which includes the force's mounted branch - revealed Urbane had suffered several bite wounds on his legs and torso as a result of the attack.
Pictures shared by the Met Police Taskforce showed Urbane (left) relaxing at a stable in central London, noting: 'Despite his recent experience he was still desperate to say hello to our Equine Dentist's dog today'
Pictures show the injuries to Urbane, who was attacked and badly injured by a dog in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, on March 22
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♬ original sound - Laila BellBut despite his ordeal, the force confirmed yesterday that he is recovering well and was eager to greet the Equine Dentist's dog when it came to visit.
The Met posted a sweet photograph on Twitter of Urbane leaning out of a stable towards the black Labrador, with the caption: 'PH Urbane has always been a dog lover and continues to recover really well.
'Despite his recent experience he was still desperate to say hello to our Equine Dentist's dog today.
'Thank you for all the continued questions and well wishes regarding him!'
Police previously confirmed Urbane had been removed from duty while he recovered.
They said the American Bully involved in the attack had been taken into police kennels.
Footage captured the dog as it drove its fangs into police horse Urbane
Pictures showed 'PH Urbane' with several open wounds covering its legs and torso after the incident
The Met Police previously revealed that the horse, whose partner collapsed and died at Notting Hill Carnival in 2022 , had been to the vet and was having some 'well-earned recuperation' following the incident
A Met spokesperson said at the time: 'Police Horse Urbane, who received several wounds to his front legs, chest and under belly by a dog on Wednesday, 23 March is currently recuperating at our stables outside of central London.
'He is being seen daily by a vet who is making sure he is as comfortable as possible. It is believed he will make a full recovery.
'Urbane has been inundated with apples and treats from concerned and kind members of the public.
'The police officer riding Urbane received no physical injuries and is being supported by his team at the Mounted Branch.
'The dog remains in police kennels.'
Pictured: The then Duchess of Cornwall with Urbane in 2019
The attack comes after Urbane's partner Sandown (pictured), a 14-year-old chestnut gelding, collapsed at Notting Hill Carnival, west London, in September last year
The attack comes after Urbane's partner Sandown, a 14-year-old chestnut gelding, collapsed at Notting Hill Carnival, west London, in September last year.
Footage taken at the time showed the horse, which stood at 16 hands high, topple over as an officer desperately tried to take control of its reins.
More officers rushed over to help their colleague tend to the horse, which was lying motionless on the floor.
Carnival goers could also be seen watching on in horror as police attempted to keep the public at bay.
Sandown was described as one of the Metropolitan Police's most experienced horses, having served an 'impeccable' seven years in the force.
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