savaged the Governor's dog, Basil.

Tiny Basil received a deep gash in his back, which needed 30 stitches and kept him in a local animal hospital for two weeks.

The Governor and Lady Waddington returned home from leave at the weekend to release the dog from the vet and he is now recovering at home.

A spokesperson at Government House said mystery surrounds the attack on Basil, but there have been reports of wild dogs in the expansive gardens of Government House.

Since the attack a stray Pit Bull Terrier has been picked up by the dog warden in the grounds.

She said: "Basil tends to wander around the property because he, naturally, regards it as his home.

"He was out on his own, but when he came back he had a very bad, deep gash on his back. He was taken to the vet and he needed more than 30 stitches in the wound.'' Lord and Lady Waddington were away on leave so Basil was kept by the vet until they returned.

The spokesperson said: "A Pit Bull Terrier has been caught and other members of staff have seen wild dogs around the gardens, but we do not know whether they attacked Basil or not.

"They have been seen in the gardens but never come close to the house itself.'' Basil apparently is quickly recovering from his ordeal but still has a nasty gash and had to have some hair shaved off.

He has been a popular member of the household since he arriving with Lord and Lady Waddington in August. He particularly enjoys cooling off in the Government House swimming pool.