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