Assistant Dog Warden Fabian Minors is seeking legal advice after being relieved of his job at the Department of Environmental Protection following allegations of animal cruelty.

Department spokeswoman Mary Ellen Goodwin confirmed yesterday that Mr. Minors ?was no longer an employee of the department? ? although she said it was against Government policy to comment on the particulars of the case.

Mr. Minors, who has fostered many enemies as a result of his vigorous pursuit of those suspected of involvement in the dog fighting underworld, is seeking legal advice and would not comment in any great depth on the situation.

?Allegations have been made and I am currently assessing the situation and getting all my ducks in a row with my lawyer,? he said. ?Because of how I operate there are certainly a lot of people out there who have something against me. But I?ve helped far more people than I have ever p....d off and I am still active in the dog community.

?I have always seen my job as a crusade against cruelty to dogs and will continue to assist where I can.?

The news came as a shock to the many who view Mr. Minors as a champion of animal rights and a constant thorn in the side of those pursuing illegal activities.

Annie Williams, whose dog Maud went missing from its? Bermuda Weather Service home earlier this year, described Mr. Minors as ?very kind and brave man? following an exhaustive, but ultimately futile search for the dog.

?As far as I am concerned he was simply unbelievable,? she said yesterday.

In 2003, Mr. Minors was assaulted with a Samurai sword by Jahni Bean during an attempt to impound the man?s dog.

In May this year, his work vehicle was torched by a still unknown culprit whilst parked outside the Department?s Botanical Gardens headquarters.