Council reports Lennox threats to PSNI

Belfast City Council has contacted the police after receiving threats from supporters of a campaign to save Lennox, the dog branded as dangerous by Northern Ireland's highest courts, from destruction.

Campaigners from around the world have been protesting over the decision to have the pitbull-type dog, belonging to Belfast woman Caroline Barnes, put to sleep.

During the two-year legal battle to save the animal, council workers have previously reported a number of attacks - including tyres being slashed and a petrol-soaked letter having been put through a letterbox.

But a spokesperson has now said that a fresh wave of threats has been received in recent days, with the messages both intimidating and significant in number.

"These have been referred to the PSNI," the spokesperson confirmed.

Belfast City Council also stated on Tuesday that re-homing is not an option for Lennox, as the dog has been found to be dangerous and unpredictable.

"The dog is now the subject of an Order by the courts," the spokesperson said.

"It would be reckless and irresponsible in this particular case for the council to simply move the dog to some other place where it would pose the same danger to others."

A number of offers to re-home Lennox have been made, including by celebrity dog expert Victoria Stilwell.

The council acknowledged the "good will" on the part of those trying to save the dog, but said it had a duty "which it performs reluctantly" to ensure public safety.

A 28-day deadline for any intervention or further appeal runs out at midnight on Tuesday and, with the council ruling out re-homing, it looks almost certain that Lennox will be put to sleep.