Lennox campaigners seek reprieve

Published Monday, 09 July 2012
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Lennox, the dog deemed to be a pitbull-terrier type breed by Belfast City Council officials, is to be destroyed this week.

Lennox campaigners seek reprieve
Lennox was seized by dog wardens two years ago. (© Pacemaker)

The battle between Lennox's owners and the council has been going on for two years, after the animal was seized.

Last month, one of Northern Ireland's most senior judges denied a legal bid from Caroline Barnes to have the decision of two lower courts overturned.

They had ruled that Lennox should be destroyed because he posed a risk to the public under dangerous dog legislation.

A Belfast City Council spokesman said the 28-day reprieve after the last court date runs out on Tuesday.

The 'Save Lennox' campaign has gathered international attention, with people from across the world speaking out in favour of the dog.

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell has travelled to Belfast to met with Caroline Barnes, the dog's owner.

First Minister Peter Robinson and Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer, also lent their voice to the campaign.

Mr Robinson said: "As a dog lover I am very unhappy with the outcome of this case".

John Karmedy from the Animal Rights Network was part of a crowd that took to the City Hall on Saturday to protest on the dog's behalf.

"We want authorities in NI to obviously save Lennox's life," he said.

"People from across the world are speaking out against this injustice that has gone on for far too long and in the first place this should have never happened."

© UTV News
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38 Comments
Chris in Ballyclare wrote (311 days ago):
The dogs owners knew what they were doing when they brought him into the World. This law is in place for a reason, are we supposed to wait until a child or innocent dog gets mauled by one of these DANGEROUS breeds before acting? All so that someone can act 'big' with their so called 'prestige dog' down their local council estate. The real issue should be how are they going to pay for all the hassle and time wasting they have caused the council, cut their benefits maybe? But of course this won't happen and all the decent people in this country are going to have to pick up the bill once more.
Eoin in Tyrone wrote (312 days ago):
I have to say that as a journalistic group you are doing a terrible job. It is for you to report upon issues important to people. For some the issue of Lennox is vitally important. However there were thousands in Belfast for a pro-life a rally and there has been no journalism from yourselves done on this. As journalists and reporters you should be ashamed. Stay away from the issues you are too scared to cover! I expect you to shy away from issue and not post this comment. It would seem to all concerned the life of a dog is greater than that of a human.
Amanda Evans in Blackpool wrote (312 days ago):
The story disgusts me. Is there no kindness within human anymore? This dog has done nothing wrong yet is sentenced to death.....there are people who have done wrong and are protected by our judicial system, why are animal still not protected in this same manner. This really does go to show how single minded people are and only reinforces the fact that animals need to be protected from humans we are more of a threat than they are i assure you! If we treated people in the same manner and made a judgment like all people living in housing accomodation or people from certain cultures are dangerous then we would have a genocide on our hands. Have faith in main and love in your hearts and please please release this poor defensless animal back to its rightful owners.
lisa wakelin in New Zealand wrote (313 days ago):
its so sad how a dog can be put down on looks alone. he should get a DNA test. so many dogs "look" like pitbulls but have absolutely nothing of the sort in them. there was a good photo example on the net but i have lost it :(
Emmy in denver, co wrote (313 days ago):
Lennox is on my mind so much...I live in Denver....FULL BREED pit bulls are banned from our city. The police talk to the families...give them resources...there is a discussion and not a tearing away of a family....for this reason, the city is built on respect. I do not understand the hiding, the lack of communication and most importantly the lack of respect for all living things in Belfast.....hopefully the council will learn from others...I don't think the loss of Lennox will help Belfast in anyway....oh yea, I don't think the Council cares about that part.....I'm sorry to the family who might lose a family member......
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