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Dog whisperer wants 'better solution' for Lennox

Lennox was seized by dog wardens two years ago.

American animal trainer Cesar Millan, known as the Dog Whisperer, has said he is battling to help save Lennox, the dog ordered to be put down by High Court judges.

Wednesday, 20 June 2012
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Last week one of Northern Ireland's most senior judges denied a legal bid by Caroline Barnes to overturn an order for the destruction of her pet.

A worldwide petition to save the dog has garnered thousands of signatures, with protestors from across the globe calling for Lennox to be released.

Millan, whose television series The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan has run for eight seasons in the US, has previously rehabilitated aggressive dogs.

Tweeting to his followers, Millan said he does not agree with the decision taken by the Belfast courts.

Lennox has been deemed to be a pit bull-type dog, and under the Dangerous Dog Act, which was extended to NI, it was decided that he should be destroyed.

An expert dog handler retained by the City Council concluded that the dog had a severe personality defect.

He considered that Lennox had a problem with strangers and said it was impossible to determine when the dog would be under stress.

However Ms Barnes said the dog was an ideal pet and was a wonderful family dog.

First Minister Peter Robinson has also voiced his support for Lennox on the social media site, when he said "As a dog lover I am very unhappy with the outcome of this case."