Following Belfast City Council’s actions, putting down the celebrity dog Lennox, there has been an outpour of public grief with one animal rights group calling for a tourism boycott of Belfast, while another group is calling for a boycott of London’s 2012 Olympics.
Despite protests voiced by First Minister of Northern Ireland Peter Robinson, Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, and British TV host Victoria Stillwell, nothing could reverse the court’s decisions. After a two year long battle, including the Barnes family’s own protests and the international 200,000-strong “Save Lennox” campaign, the seven-year-old American Bull Dog/Lab-mix was put to death on Wednesday morning.
Two years ago Lennox was removed from his family home by Belfast city dog wardens. He was deemed to be a dangerous dog at the time. They believed him to be a pit bull, a dog type which is illegal in Northern Ireland.
No Kill New York (NKNY) were one of the many groups to protest the decision to put down the pit bull look-a-like dog.
Founder of the group, Camille Hankins spoke to New York local radio 1010 WINS about Lennox’s death and the anger that members of her group were feeling. She also said plans were underway to begin a boycott the Olympics campaign.
She believes this is necessary because “Great Britain did nothing to intercede…People are angry. People are angry.”
The group had planned to hold their second protest in New York in front of the British consulate this Friday.
She said, “There was no reason for what they did," Hankins added. “What they did was callous, it was barbaric and it is a stain on Belfast. This is going to be something that is going to be hard for them to live down.”
Similarly, in the Republic of Ireland, the group Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) are launching a “boycott of the City” of Belfast.
In a statement released by the group they called on “people across Southern Ireland and across Europe to avoid traveling to Belfast, and to boycott the City”.
They also said they are coordinating with groups in the US to ensure “that their supporters of Lennox, of which there is tens of thousands, either cancel their trips to Belfast, or indeed avoid going there altogether.”
Their aim is to show how flawed Northern Ireland’s “Dangerous Dog Act” is and to demonstrate just how concerned the international community is about the plight of dogs such as Lennox.
John Carmody, director of ARAN, said, “People are today heartbroken, shedding tears and crying out loud with the news that Belfast City Council has murdered Lennox…We're calling on our supporters across the Island of Ireland, Europe and the USA to boycott Belfast and to go elsewhere."
On Wednesday, Lennox’s owners, the Barnes family, released this statement:
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all again for your messages of support. We are sorry to say at the present time Belfast city council seem to be intent on killing our boy. Despite previous assurances otherwise, we have been denied the opportunity to say goodbye. We have also been told that we cannot collect his body and bring Len home. We have been informed however that we will receive “some” ashes in the mail.”
Belfast City Council (BCC) posted a statement on their site. It reads, “Belfast City Council confirmed today that the dog Lennox, an illegal pit-bull terrier type, has been humanely put to sleep…The Council regrets that the court action was necessary but would emphasize that the safety of the public remains its key priority.”
Despite the two year campaign to have the American Bull Dog/Lab-mix released and returned to his family and the 200,000 strong petition launched by “Save Lennox”, the city council stuck to their decision and killed the dog, however, the campaign doesn’t seem ready to let this rest.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.eggnostriva | Aug 09, 2012, 09:23 AM EDT
If it only takes the death of one potentially violent animal to stop some extreme Americans from visiting the Uk. Good job son.
Tess328 | Jul 17, 2012, 04:58 PM EDT
The actions of the Belfast City Council and all NI government entities involved in his murder are nothing short of premeditated, malicious and evil. Lennox was not a banned breed. He never hurt anyone. No member of the public ever made any complaints against him. The assessment video shows a non-aggressive, friendly animal. In the video, the lying dog warden, Alexandra Lightfoot, sits calmly next to him, stroking his back and wearing no protective gear, not even gloves. In a sworn statement at a court hearing, Lightfoot testified that he had attacked them and that she was afraid to go near him. Her testimony got a judge to condemn Lennox to death. The Queen and Prime Minister of the UK were contacted and begged to intervene, but they chose not to. A boycott of both Belfast and Northern Ireland, AND the UK and the Olympics is more than warranted.
mreinhar2001 | Jul 15, 2012, 11:44 PM EDT
ciaradexy: Hi seetie pie! It's been awhile. Are you getting your homework papers finished on time these days? You you can do it!
mreinhar2001 | Jul 15, 2012, 11:41 PM EDT
alfanoclan is right!
DanOLoingsigh | Jul 15, 2012, 05:31 AM EDT
Anybody up for boycotting Dublin and RoI for years of crimes and inhumane actions by Priests and their like against innocent children? No...I didn't think so...
L.M. Ashley | Jul 15, 2012, 03:07 AM EDT
Lennox was not a celebrity dog, he was a family pet; and I find it disingenuous to say, "nothing could reverse the courts decision." From the start and all along this could have had a different outcome if not for the prejudice, stupidity, malice, pride, and gall of the BCC. BSL is just plain wrong, the DDA is unjust and inhumane, it does nothing to solve the real problem because it addresses the wrong end of the lead. All those who had a part in the confiscation, incarceration, and execution of this innocent dog should be removed from any position of power for their complete lack of judgement, reason, and compassion. Shame on you all who allowed this to happen. There is no way to make amends for the wrong that has already been done and I hope the world will turn it's back on Belfast until it eliminates BSL.
alfanoclan | Jul 15, 2012, 12:33 AM EDT
IRELAND IS NOT AT FAULT. IRELAND DOES NOT HAVE A BSL LAW. It is N. Ireland that is GOVERNED by the U.K. The U.K is responsible for this. BLAME THEM!
jbdean | Jul 13, 2012, 10:45 PM EDT
COUNT ME IN! I'm ashamed to be Irish but grateful my family hails from Southern Ireland.
LMD1` | Jul 13, 2012, 07:52 PM EDT
This has been a rotten deal from start to finish and bit by bit it keeps getting worse. I wonder if there is anyone we can trust in NI that WOULD do an honest investigation? I hope that all of Lennox' supporters contact Sixty Minutes, Dateline and other shows of stature in the USA to address BSL and the slaughter of this innocent family pet. I hold in great esteem the people of Ireland I have met but agree with the boycott - won't be visiting anyplace on the island, nor GB until a thorough investigation has been completed. Yes, NI is separate but Ireland and GB ALSO NEED TO STEP UP AND DEMAND ANSWERS - until then, plenty of other countries to visit.
Cattyjack | Jul 13, 2012, 07:39 PM EDT
An investigation is needed to determine the role that BCC and animal control played in the death of Lennox. Alexandra Lightfoot perjured herself in court and there are videos and pictures to prove it. The corruption and lies in this case have to be made public. The world and the good citizens of Belfast that pay the salaries of the BCC have a right to know.
ciaradexy | Jul 13, 2012, 12:12 PM EDT
Mreinhar, NI is NOT part of England! Thats like saying Wales is part of Scotland. Do your homework!
YoungPike | Jul 13, 2012, 07:43 AM EDT
The British pride themselves on being animal-lovers, but this is right out of Nazi Germany!
misshobo | Jul 12, 2012, 11:17 PM EDT
Boycotting works for me. BCC is in the business of tearing apart families and abusing pets. Normal people find abuse horrible and change it, the BCC thrives on it. Well your dirty vile secret is out and the world saw it. Now deal with the repercussions. Boycott.
occassio | Jul 12, 2012, 10:13 PM EDT
Corkkerry, brilliant idea and a safe haven that will commemorate Lennox and provide succor to needy animals.
aloistmartin | Jul 12, 2012, 08:48 PM EDT
Long Live Lennox !
mreinhar2001 | Jul 12, 2012, 06:37 PM EDT
I will boycott this country and all products from it. Since Northern Ireland is part of England, that boycott means Great Britain, too. Whereas the Queen of England is the head of the Anglican church, that boycott should extend to the products of all Anglicans and Episcolians; however, carried to that extreme would make me as sick as the Belfast City Council and the lead court in Northern Irleand. Sufice it to say, I am boycotting everything from Northern Ireland Here, hear Giula!! Thank you.
Giulia | Jul 12, 2012, 05:06 PM EDT
Florence, ITALY Your immoral racial laws and your decision to kill the innocent dog Lennox because of his looks (not of his breed, since he was tested and resulted neither pitbull nor pitbull mix) and despite the official licence that should have allowed him to live, caused me to decide to never visit your country, to never buy anything from your country, and to boicott the image of your country by spreading the (documented!) news about your immoral deeds and laws to all people I know and may know in the future, until the day when your country will delete that shameful law and start a steady course agains anything, either legal or illegal, that could lead to more senseless kills. Until that day, shame on you and your country
corkkerry | Jul 12, 2012, 04:54 PM EDT
As usual, the innocent, animals and children, are the victims of ignorant, arrogant adults...There should be a new animal shelter in Belfast in honor of Lennox...
Judy Sexton | Jul 12, 2012, 04:39 PM EDT
I have been so upset by this story from the beginning, and thought maybe, someone on the BCC might show some intelligence and caring for an innocent family pet...I am so sad that someone took his life...what about the theory that Lennox was killed a long time ago??? Could have some validity. I will NEVER go to Belfast, and believe they should pay dearly for their horrible actions, that includes the Olympics. Shame on you BCC, go to the devil.
Nelsonbarry | Jul 12, 2012, 03:55 PM EDT
Just changed my vacation, will be visiting the republic only this year.
Boycot Belfast | Jul 12, 2012, 01:50 PM EDT
If 'Dispatches' ch4 recieve enough e-mails they will investigate BCC !! get typing ! dispatches@channel4.co.uk
occassio | Jul 12, 2012, 01:28 PM EDT
Boycotting Belfast and the Olympics is casting too wide a net over the issue which should be laser-focused on the BCC and other parties who operated an illegal seizure, probable mistreatment and killing of Lennox. There should be an outcry and demand that the BCC and parties be accountable to someone or a higher authority. How they could have refused to respond to First Minister Peter Robinson is beyond belief. The Councillors are elected officials.To whom are these people accountable?
Boycot Belfast | Jul 12, 2012, 01:21 PM EDT
Something is just not right, with this story about Lennox. Why would they not give the owners rights to see their beloved dog? Why all the plea's ignored ? Thinks Lennox was put down, months ago !!
braxton | Jul 12, 2012, 11:56 AM EDT
Why was Natural Justice really denied? l don't think the truth is being told here by the BCC.. Why were the family denied visitation rights, the right to say good bye to there beloved pet? And to top it of they are sending Lennox ashes to the family in the mail.. Despicable! Was Lennox emaciated that bad is this why they keep him from his family? As for The BCC comments on Lennox being unpredictable and aggressive, do you honestly think the people around the world believe you. Have a good look at the photo's with " Dog Catcher" & the Video of Alexander Lightfoot.. not an ounce of aggression in him! So why the Conspiracy? Why wasn't the family allowed to have the collar back? The council need to be sacked, you denied Lennox Natural Justice. Alexandra Lightfoot needs to be charged she has committed a crime "PERJURY" and her lies... l hope the family sue BCC. this was a sheer Malice, Vexatious, Maladministration, Misfeasance, Malfeasance so much more! Lennox was not put down humanely he was murdered. by the BCC... Wrongfully id by a "Dog Catcher" with no experience..Self proclaimed experts l bet they taught them self of the internet like the Qld Australia Animal control officers did. R.I.P. Lennox... Condolences to the Barnes Family..xox.
AGRIPPAMOM | Jul 12, 2012, 11:42 AM EDT
@ ripbrown I don't know anyone who cares about animals who isn't concerned about how other animals are treated. However, if you cannot see the difference between a COMPANION animal, whom most people regard as family, and animals that people raise as food.......
rpbrown | Jul 12, 2012, 11:30 AM EDT
I invite anyone who feels greatly wronged by this tragedy to ask why they do not extend this same concern to the poor animals who live in horrendous conditions to feed us and dogs like Lennox. I'm not saying we should be vegetarians, but seriously, why the double standard?
mocmanic | Jul 12, 2012, 10:49 AM EDT
BCC - such arrogance, cruelty, and stupidity. Citizens of Belfast should all hang their heads in shame. This is an event that will never be forgotten.
Murph46 | Jul 12, 2012, 09:37 AM EDT
Sorry but I'm coming to Belfast in Set-Oct. this year after years of wanting to but protecting my family in previous visits!