RIP Lennox

Two years ago a dog named Lennox was taken from the only home he had ever known.  He was taken because of a breed ban in Belfast, Ireland.  His family fought for him, telling the Belfast City Council that he wasn’t dangerous and Lennox is an American Bull dog Labrador mix.  The BCC didn’t listen, and took the dog away, putting him in a cell made of concrete.  There he has remained for two years, while his family fought and fought to get him back.

Thousands joined the fight to save Lennox, including Victoria Stilwell, internationally-renowned dog trainer and star of the hit TV show, “It’s Me or the Dog.”  She offered to fly the dog to the US and place him in a sanctuary.  She volunteered to do this after the BCC deemed the dog too dangerous for any family.  Unfortunately, the BCC declined to meet with Victoria.

What really gets me is the dog warden who said Lennox was “dangerous” and she was “afraid for her life” can be seen below playing with Lennox and even getting wet, slobbery kisses from him.

 

 

Yesterday, First Minister Mr Robinson intervened and called on the council to reconsider. He said: “As a dog lover I am very unhappy with the outcome of this case.” Robinson also tweeted “Spoke to Lord Mayor about Lennox. Suggested BCC should seriously look at re-homing option. Why exercise the Order if there’s an alternative?”

However, Belfast City Council issued the following statement in response:

The Council acknowledges the good will on the part of a significant number of people who would wish to have the dog Lennox spared from being humanely put to sleep. The Council has a duty which it performs reluctantly in order to ensure public safety. Re-homing will not deal with the issues in this case- the dog has been found to be unpredictable and dangerous by experts. That view is shared by the courts and the dog is now the subject of an Order by the courts. 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.

Lennox’s 28 day amnesty ended at midnight, July 10, 2012 BST.

Dangerous dog is put to sleep following final court decision

11 July 2012

Belfast City Council confirmed today that the dog Lennox, an illegal pit-bull terrier type, has been humanely put to sleep. This was in accordance with the Order of the County Court which was affirmed by the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal.

Whilst there is an exemption scheme to which dogs of this type (pit-bull terrier type) may be admitted as an alternative to destruction, there were no such measures that could be applied in this case that would address the concerns relating to public safety. The Council`s expert described the dog as one of the most unpredictable and dangerous dogs he had come across.

Over the past two years, Council officials have been subjected to a sustained campaign of abuse including threats of violence and death threats. The Council has been in ongoing contact with the PSNI in relation to that.

The Council regrets that the court action was necessary but would emphasise that the safety of the public remains its key priority.

Victoria Stilwell posted the following on Facebook:

“I am so disgusted and want everyone to know how low Belfast City Council have stooped. The Barnes family heard about the death of their beloved dog through me because I had been told by a source at BBC Radio Ulster. After what the council put the family through they didn’t even have the decency to inform the family first before everyone else know. Someone involved in this mess needs to lose their job. If this is the way they represent their citizens then Belfast beware. Belfast City Council should hang their heads for the shameful and insensitive way they have handled this. Heartless doesn’t even begin to describe the people surrounding this case. Appalling and I can assure you, this will NEVER be forgotten!”

The following was posted on the official Facebook page for the Save the Lennox campaign:

Lennox was murdered at 7am this morning, the family weren’t allowed to say goodbye, his family were refused to be allowed to be by his side.

Love you pup, you will forever be remembered for your bravery, the amazing people you brought together, and for those you helped.

You are loved sweet boy, run free, we will meet again someday, you will always be alive in the hearts of many who fought for you.

No longer at the hands of those that cause you pain.

This was also posted on their Facebook page:

 

 

Lennox had a loving family and a child who couldn’t understand why her faithful dog was ripped from her life.  The website they created to rally people and to let others know the suffering they have gone through can be accessed here.

 

My thoughts are with the family and my heart aches for them right now. People have been emailing the council about how disgusted they are about how all of this went down.  You’re welcome to email them here: complaints@belfastcity.gov.uk I know that our emotions can get the best of us and no matter how much we want to tell these monsters to go to hell – be respectful… but firm.

Lennox is just one of many dogs that have suffered because of BSL and we have a long way to go to put an end to this completely asinine way of thinking.  All dogs bite, no matter what breed they are.  We need to teach responsible ownership and not allow people to own dogs who are owning them for all the wrong reasons.  The aggression comes from the irresponsible idiots who teach them to be aggressive.

Rest in peace, Lennox.