93 Comments

• Vogit | Jul 09, 2012, 03:51 PM EDT

  I meant to call Lennox, baby boy. Do the right thing and let the dog go BCC. If I had my choice of good karma or bad, I would certainly choose good. But you guys may like that dark evil energy that will follow you around for acting like hitler.

• HiGramma | Oct 23, 2011, 04:01 AM EDT

  @LainieMcEl - the outrage about atrocities against humans is there, and we do what we feel we can. Living in a society that allows us to complain directly to our own authorities is a blessing to be treasured. To hold that right, we must use it. When we stop complaining to authorities, a dictatorship might arise. I'm not exaggerating - complacency encourages megalomaniacs to act. We do not have a voice in Somalian politics - believe me, if I did, Somalian leaders would be nagged to death. As it is, their judgment is with God. I follow the words of the Bible in praying for leaders of all nations to govern wisely - because when leaders are wise, the people fare well and do not fear injustice. Just because Lennox is a dog doesn't make it ok to cause him harm. The fact that atrocities are committed against humans doesn't justify committing an atrocity against a dog. Those who are cruel to animals are just as cruel to humans.

• LainieMcEl | Oct 07, 2011, 02:36 PM EDT

  While I, a dog owner/lover who was once bitten by a poodle (8 stitches), cannot condone what is happening to Lennox, I have to ask...where is all the outrage when WOMEN & CHILDREN are being starved, raped, murdered and tortured around the world. And once again, the media has fostered a cause with contradictory, inflammatory mis/information. So many questions, so much ineffectual reporting. As for the kennel conditions the dog is in right now, there are thousands of children drinking water from sewer infested rivers because they have no clean water, and eating from garbage dumps. To repeat the question asked in the previous comment, "What is worng with our world and how does something so irrational happen in this day and age?"

• estheris | Sep 01, 2011, 03:33 PM EDT

  What is wrong with our world and how does something so irrational happen in this day and age?! This ludicrously prejudiced action belongs in the parochial bureaucracies of the medieval inquistions. I agree with the boycott of tourism to Northern Island. I love the Republic of Ireland; however, would NEVER visit Northern Ireland after this example of inhumane idiocy.

• Springfield9 | Jul 08, 2011, 05:34 PM EDT

  The ancient Irish revered a faithful dog. Belfast has certainly come a long way, down the wrong road ..... as usual.

• Chaviva | May 17, 2011, 03:07 PM EDT

  This is a travesty... poor family... poor dog...

• tony222 | Apr 26, 2011, 03:04 PM EDT

  Iam glade to say that iam not from ireland theres no excuse for this. Taking a family member out of a household like that just because of what it looks like i hope they can look that little girl in her face when she finds out what happened to her dog when she gets older. Cold hearted!

• quackers | Apr 13, 2011, 08:50 AM EDT

  Unfortunately I can't put links on here or I would point you in the direction of where this information can be found.

• quackers | Apr 13, 2011, 08:49 AM EDT

  Also, it was asked in a previous post why they weren't allowed to get a DNA test done. Well initially when they were denying it was a banned breed they were offered this free of charge but refused to allow it.

• quackers | Apr 13, 2011, 08:46 AM EDT

  Ok my post isn't showing so will briefly post again. He is a pitbull..even the owner admitted this in court some months ago. Therefore she owned a dog knowing it was illegal. She also admitted the dog could be dangerous to strangers. So whatever you think of this case, the facts actually differ from this report. There are many other issues but I think the main thing is to clarify the most glaring issues.

• quackers | Apr 13, 2011, 08:32 AM EDT

  With all due respect i would like to point out that some of the information in this report is incorrect. The dog is not actually " a American Bull Dog Labrador " he is a pitbull, a banned breed in the UK. The owner ms. Barnes has actually admitted this in court. This is mind she knew it was a banned breed from the start. Also there have been many chances for the outcome of this to be very different..and many questions are being asked. We know it is a sensitive issue but we also know that people like all the facts (and more importantly the correct facts) in order to make their minds up about something. Anne Piper http://whoissavinglennox.proboards.com

• whiteycat | Apr 07, 2011, 11:34 AM EDT

  I would like to know if they have murdered that poor Lennox yet.Does anyone know. Strange how a murderer in the US can get out in 7 yrs but you execute a dog in Ireland for looking like a pit bull.

• whiteycat | Apr 07, 2011, 11:25 AM EDT

  I think the Irish are far more vicious than the comments on facebook. I think its disgusting that you will kill a defenseless dog even when you know hes not a pit bull.

• feliciamaisey | Apr 07, 2011, 10:56 AM EDT

  This is an unbelievably cruel and vile act committed for no reason. The guards and the city council should be brought up on charges!

• Newrone | Apr 07, 2011, 10:48 AM EDT

  Niall, Paragraphs, PLEEEEASE!

• Michele123 | Apr 06, 2011, 11:56 PM EDT

  I think that these dog wardens have another agenda. To put down an innocent dog, that has fostered no complaints, that has been licensed for the last five years, is a sin. The conditions that this poor dog lives under are deplorable. Why would any group pf good Irish people do such a thing? Here, the dog would be a service dog, like what it is used for young Brooke and it would be praised for being able to assist a patient, in any way. And, to say that the dog "LOOKS LIKE A PIT-BULL" is preposterous. Don't they have anything else to do, but kill an innocent dog, hurt the child who depended on him and cause a financial burden, by saying the family has to pay for the 11 months of confinement to that disgusting small place? Why are these people allowed to make those decisions? Isn't there someone above them, that sees this as a crime and inhumane? Please save that dog and the family, although the poor thing has to be pretty sa, probably malnourished, and maybe sick, because of the lack of care and treatment. God loves animals too, remember that!

• sirpeter | Apr 06, 2011, 09:59 PM EDT

  Quoet"I would put down the murderer of the police officer before I put down the poor dog.Unquote. That about sums up some dog lovers.They love their dog more then any human..Only because a dog will pander to ye like a slave. That's what ye love about dogs isn't it. They will be your slave ...Go on admit it!! They run to ye faster then your own family when ye arrive home. It's nothing to do with a love for animals..They feed your ego. Ye stupid fu*ks,I sh*t on ye.

• longislander1940 | Apr 06, 2011, 08:23 PM EDT

  I would put down the murderer of the police officer before I put down the poor dog.

• ellabella | Apr 06, 2011, 05:41 PM EDT

  @chrisfinley82; If you took the time to read my comment properly Lennox is still alive. He has been declared as 'pit bull type' using DARD guidelines, so IF this is not revoked by the court the ONLY solution is to appeal to save his life and have him rehomed - BSL in Northern Ireland is not going to disappear overnight so he cannot stay there. You might be interested to read a similar case of a dog called Bruce who suffered similarly due to BSL - where the only option to save his life was to have him rehomed here. Obviously the rightful place for Lennox is with his family but if that cannot happen, there has to be an alternative solution to save his life and prove these people wrong about 'pit bull types'! We would all like to think we could stop officials taking our dogs should they try, but at the end of the day, we are all at the mercy of the law - even if that law is absolutely ridiculous and established by the uneducated. when you say 'your' dog warden, I hope you are referring to Northern Ireland - again I must point out this is not the same jurisdiction as the Republic of Ireland. Also, someone mentioned DNA testing - this is inadmissable in Court - which is a complete farce. Belfast City Council have hired the 'best' of the best and are covering as many angles as possible - so that even if the type of dog Lennox is, is cleared under BSL, or the seizure of him is unlawful, they are going down the route of Lennox being a danger. They hired an animal behaviourist to testify to just how 'unpredictable' Lennox is! The whole thing stinks and is just awful for Lennox and his family.

• KyraAthena | Apr 06, 2011, 04:50 PM EDT

  This is a travesty. Basing this dog's execution on no more than a non-expert's visual opinion, with no wrongdoing on the part of the dog, is not justice at all. It's just bias and ignorance. So I suppose it's okay for racial profiling and discrimination as well. Don't sleep well...

• sprice5795 | Apr 06, 2011, 03:31 PM EDT

  I think the Belfast City Council and the judge that heard this case should be tarred and feathered. This is disgrace. How they can live with themselves I'll never know.

• Angelpaws24515 | Apr 06, 2011, 02:59 PM EDT

  This truely breaks my heart, it's not fair and these people really should be shamed of themselves. Even if this was a pit bull don't he deserve his rite 2 life? How could they be so heartless 2 just rip this lovibg dog from a handicapped child. I'm enragged, If there was any way I cpuld take this dog I would. He is one of God creatuers. What is wrong with people? He has never hurt any one , if anything he has made someone's life better. I say FREE LENNOX!!!!!Truely wish I could personaly do something myself that coul stop his MURDER....Only God can JUDGE..

• melrae07 | Apr 06, 2011, 02:17 PM EDT

  your sick people. send him to the united states...he deserves the right to live...526 south main street hatfield pa, 19440. 267-664-8970..ASAPPPPPPPPPPPP!!! i will pay shipping. NNNNOOOOWWW! :(

• unbelieveable | Apr 06, 2011, 02:10 PM EDT

  First of all there is no breed labeled "pit-bull" second, why since they have DNA get it tested, that would be the true blue and third.......what is wrong with people these days, does animal control have nothing better to do, this helpless animal has done nothing wrong and is now being punished because he "looks like a pit-bull type". I think education is in order.

• Limac67 | Apr 06, 2011, 02:05 PM EDT

  Would it be an option for me to come to Belfast and take lennox back to the states ?

• Reilleyfam | Apr 06, 2011, 01:38 PM EDT

  Sickening - they should do the same to the people who took this innocent dog from his loving family - consequences in the afterlife for sure.

• elektros | Apr 06, 2011, 01:36 PM EDT

  There should be some way to get the dog back to that little girl, even if she has to visit him across the border in the Republic (or move there). I am in two minds about breed specific laws. On the one hand there have been some awful attacks. On the other hand, the reason they used a tape measure is that THERE IS NO SUCH BREED as a pit bull! This is why some laws of this type specify several (REAL) breeds. There ought to be some sort of leeway here. It's hard to believe that anything part Labrador is dangerous.

• chrisfinley82 | Apr 06, 2011, 10:29 AM EDT

  First off, Those of you who believe they executed Lennox for a good reason can go to hell.. I'm a breeder of Pittbulls I also train them. Been doing it for the past 10 years now. And I have NEVER had a violent pitt. It is all on how you raise them. As for starving your dog, You ARE a idiot.. The more you starve an animal the violent they get. ommon sense moron's.. As for Ellabella "rehoming" the dog is NOT going to be the solution. They should not have went into that family's home and took the dog in the first place. I DARE someone come into MY house and attempt to take my dogs they are my family and I do treat them like they are my kids. Your "dog warden" and police are sorry as hell. Cause Lennox "looks" like a pittbull breed. Your all stupid as hell and hope the judge rots in hell for their disission. As for the family of the dog. I am so sorry for your lose. I can only imagine the pain your going through.

• Gerry2244 | Apr 06, 2011, 10:13 AM EDT

  Missourigal... First if Oboma Dosnt care about this happening in his own country.... How he can tell Ireland not to do it..... Their are several States in America where they LEAGLY do the exact same thing.... It's called a bsl. Breed specific law. Secondly Most of you people on here are idiots what is that idiot years the bottom talking about starving a dog... You are a total MORON..... You prob starve your dog bc you are to big of a idiot to know to feed it.... And if any of you people that are putting down Ireland ... If you are an American research a little more ... Also Canada and u velice some parts of england.

• chrisfinley82 | Apr 06, 2011, 08:52 AM EDT

  Ellabella, For starters your full of s**t. Relocating Lennox is NOT going to be the solution to this whole situation. If they would have left the dog alone then everything would have been perfectly fine.. I HAVE 2 female pittbulls and they are the sweetest of animals. I couldn't have asked for better. So you and your stereotyping a** country can go f**k yourself.. As for all of you other idiots out there who like to call pittbulls vicious and violent and whatever else you have to say you can go to hell as well. It's ALL about the way you raise the dog. It doesn't matter if it's a Poodle if you want it mean it WILL be mean. I've been breeding and training pittbulls for the past 10 years and I have NEVER had any problems out of any of them. I would seriously love to see someone come into MY house and tell me that they are taking my dog. Well guess what? You take my dog I'm gonna hurt you to the point where you wished you never stepped foot to my front door. My dogs are my family.

• ellabella | Apr 06, 2011, 07:52 AM EDT

  Firstly, as an Irish citizen I would like to clear something up for everyone on here who say they are disgusted and ashamed by us Irish and will never come here.... Belfast is in Northern Ireland - this is under the rule of the United Kingdom. I am from the Republic of Ireland and we do not have Breed Specific Legislation here that would order an innocent pet to be murdered based on their looks! Missourigal I have to say I am quite offended at your remarks as there are a lot of people in Ireland - North AND South who want to see Lennox free, and potentially Lennox could be saved, if the courts allow it, by rehoming him with a rescue in the Republic of Ireland - potentially an hours drive from the family. So perhaps you should reconsider your letter to Obama. Secondly, to the writer of this article, perhaps you should be more specific when publishing an article by specifying that Belfast is in Northern Ireland - so that the whole of Ireland is not judged against as is evident by my need to comment. This is certainly not a professional article given the inaccurate title and this misleading information! Thirdly, I support Lennox and this case is just wrong. I really hope his life can be saved and he can be rehabilitated after a year of disgusting conditions and isolation.

• missourigal | Apr 05, 2011, 04:54 PM EDT

  BELFAST CITY COUNCIL GO TO HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ALL ARE EVIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND MURDERERS FOR KILLING A LITTLE GIRLS DOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• missourigal | Apr 05, 2011, 04:51 PM EDT

  sir peter GO TO HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• missourigal | Apr 05, 2011, 04:49 PM EDT

  the judge who made this decision to execute lennox you are a jerk and don,t deserve to be a judge!!!!!!!!!!!!!! god will deal with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! karma is a bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• missourigal | Apr 05, 2011, 04:22 PM EDT

  I AM DISGUSTED WITH THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND,AND DISGUSTED WITH THE BELFAST CITY COUNCIL,YOU ALL ARE MURDERERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM GOING TO WRIOTE TO PRESIDENT OBAMA AND ASK THAT OUR COUNTRY BREAK ALL TIES WITH IRELAND AND SEVER WHAT EVER RELATIONSHIP OUR COUNTRY HAS HAD WITH IRELAND.YOU ALL ARE NOTHING BUT ANINAL KILLERS AND ANIMAL MURDERERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE ALL DESPICABLE AND EVIL!!!!!!!!LENNOX NEVER DID ANYTHING TO YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!! SHAME ON YOU IRELAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• killean | Apr 05, 2011, 11:59 AM EDT

  I can't believe they went ahead with it. Oh the poor family, they tried so hard. Damn you ignorant politicans! I'm ashamed to have Irish blood flowing through my veins! NEVER will I support your economy by stepping on my ancestors' soil! YOU MAKE ME SICK BELFAST CITY COUNCIL!!!!

• Fayclis | Apr 05, 2011, 10:08 AM EDT

  This makes me ashamed of my Irish heritage. My goal was to visit Ireland but after reading about how dogs are treated based ONLY on appearance.. and the unwillingness to correct such a horrible wrong, I will NOT be visiting until this draconian legislation is repealed. I remember a time when I was NOT welcome on my Irish grandmothers knee because I was baptized Catholic, so know how horrible unwarranted discrimination is. Shame on these people for what they are doing to an INNOCENT animal. SHAME. "IF YOU HAVE MEN THAT WILL EXCLUDE ANY OF GOD'S CREATURES FROM THE SHELTER OF COMPASSION AND PITY, YOU WILL HAVE MEN WHO WILL DEAL LIKEWISE WITH THEIR FELLOW MEN". Saint Francis of Assisi

• love4animals | Apr 04, 2011, 08:15 PM EDT

  I know many, many humans that can kill and deserve worse treatment than this poor dog. I truly hope you are judged the same way that you are judging. All these comments lumping pit bulls as bad is very retarded and shows you how humans can no longer think for themselves. They are teaching children that it is ok to be cruel based on looks, teaching children that it is ok to hate based on looks and it is ok to hurt people or animals based on looks. I know many men who could kill me with their bare hand but I don't hate all of them. We have many people that hurt children every day worse then any dog could ever do and yet they live. Mankind just thrives on killing it seems and if they can't do it with people they take it out on animals. Animals are taught like kids are taught and they are taught to either be bad or be good. What kind of example are you setting for your children?

• lonespirit | Apr 04, 2011, 06:03 PM EDT

  To the Belfast City Council: I have a great deal of experience with dogs. Since I have had service dogs for more than 20 years all self trained. None of these service dogs are pure-breed and all have done their jobs to care for me happily I might add. I am also an animal rescuer, having additional dogs live with me while good loving homes can be found. Many Pit Bull type dogs have live with me and they have been wonderful. To pass such a law as you have there that Pit Bull type dogs are all dangerous and thus should be put to sleep, is no different than all people from Ireland being drunk potato farmers that worship the luck of the leprechaun, and thus should be outlawed from some area of the world or be put to death. The breed of dog is no real difference, than the difference in nationality. This dog Lennox has been performing a valuable service helping this child, her health and mental stability has declined. She needs the dog because he is her sole friend, she has done no wrong, the dog has done no wrong, the parents has been honest with officials from the start and the dog has been in town 5 years doing his job perfectly. Eleven months you have kept this dog locked up in conditions so inhumane that the world is outraged, and the poor innocent Lennox may have been mental impaired, being in such conditions. I am ashamed to be part Irish. Just because you can made it unlawful for a dog that looks like a pit bull type be in your area, it does not make it right. Remember history, in the 1930's a mad man came to power, and made in lawful to roundup anyone who looked different or help those who looked different and did horrible things to them including killing an estimate 6 million people, and he tried to increase his domain area to all of Europe. It took the rest of the world to stop him. What will History say about you and this law, and what you have done, and the way you are enforcing it?

• happy70sgirl | Apr 04, 2011, 12:11 PM EDT

  To Belfast City Council: I am begging you to have some compassion for the dog and for his loving family and the little girl who has become sick she is so distressed about the imprisonment of the dog she loves who has hurt nobody. Please, return Lennox to his family. I would like to make a point, please. I have a dog that you would SWEAR was a toy fox terrier. But he was DNA tested just because I was curious as to his breed, and he has NO toy fox terrier in him at ALL! A tape measurement of Lennox as you did, means NOTHING. The world is outraged about this. Is this how you want the world to see Northern Ireland? You have a chance to fix this and make yourselves seen as heroes now if you return the dog to his family. And why is he being kept in such abysmal conditions? He deserves to be treated better than that. I thought Northern Ireland was better than this. Thank you from a concerned US citizen. Cherie Manzano

• sirpeter | Apr 02, 2011, 06:15 PM EDT

  crazydoglady..Where do I mention your name and how you treat your dogs!! Leave out the dog in your name and add dumb..Just crazydumblady is more fitting. That's all I have to say to you as well.

• McGowan1 | Apr 02, 2011, 06:01 PM EDT

  Belfast City Council. I am appalled by your cold, heartless sterotyped judgement. I too, am deeply ashamed of my country. To make such a snap judgement is dispicable. Did you ever consider other thought out options like having the family sign a waiver that they would not hold the dog wardens, the county or Northern Ireland liable? Did you consider having the family acquire liabilty insurance that would be included in the written waiver ? It sounds to me that it is more of a power struggle. You know how this little girl is grieving and you simply do not care about her well-being. That is certainly cold to not care about your countrys children. It sure tells me alot. We the people will help the family with the costs that have accured during this past year. I really cant even believe that you would be asking for that after looking at the deplorable condtions that this dog is staying in. There are many, many things to be done regarding the safe return of this dog and relieving Northern Ireland and its council of any liability. My children will certainly know that their country does not care for animals, & for that matter, the children.

• SeamusMor | Apr 02, 2011, 02:15 PM EDT

  Ian Paisley looks, and acts, like a pit bull!Give him the needle!

• crazydoglady | Apr 02, 2011, 01:35 PM EDT

  Sir peter, this will be my final comment, as you are clearly a troll only posting here because you have nothing else to do and noone to talk to. I am the proud owner of two staffordshire bull terriers; at least once per day, I am told they are ambassadors for the breed- today by an elderly lady, a policemean and a dog trainer. Their temperaments are second to none & I couldn't ask for any more in a dog. I could go into my local park now & find you 20-30 other dog owners who would say the same thing about them. I don't intend to waste my time squabbling with you... I would simply like to point out that a) both of my dogs attend training classes weekly and will continue to do so for life. They also attend agility classes & one will be starting flyball very soon. 2) They get 2-3hrs of off lead exercise per day rain or shine. 3) The only person around here who clearly knows nothing about dogs is you. Now go and find something better to do with your time. Join a dating agency or a bowls club. Your ridiculous comments add NOTHING to the discussion on Lennox, BCC and the DDA.

• sirpeter | Apr 02, 2011, 08:30 AM EDT

  TreeTree & ecksian.You are missing the point. I don't condone animal cruelty in any way shape or form.I detest it. First thing you have to remember is it is not dog haters who are cruel to dogs..Why!! Because they don't own a dog. It is people who think they are dog lovers who are cruel to dogs.Dog owners fall out of love with the dog and neglect it. Humans do this to other humans all the time and unfortunately their pets suffer because of this human trait.It's part of been human. Dogs remain loyal to the pack/household/owner.That's part of a dogs nature.My analogy about starving a dog is to explain the basic instinct's of a dog under stress.BUT!! 90% of dogs who have to be destroyed comes from treating the dog with to much attention and not disciplining the dog or treating it like the alpha male/female. If any dog thinks it is the alpha male/female in the household it tends to put it's owner or members of his pack/family in it's place if annoyed by nipping or biting the owner ect ..Ask any vet who has to put down a dog because of aggression. They owner ALWAYS says..BUT i never thought the dog would bite me ect. These "dog lovers" ALWAYS say that to the vet before the dog is put down. People who have pets disgust me 80% of the time. They tend to their pets physical needs poorly ie (exercise,teeth,worming,check-ups ect)They tend to their pets psychological needs even worse. Only 20% of people at most give their pet the ongoing care it has a right too. They other 80% of pet owners THINK they can look after their pets properly. If you don't see where I'm coming from..That's fine. Lennox is in this position because of it's owner not making sure it would be accepted by Belfast City Council. Whoever is right or wrong Lennox is suffering and I place the blame on the owner first and foremost.

• ecksian | Apr 02, 2011, 05:29 AM EDT

  sirpeter - surely if you treat any animal in the way you describe you will end up with an aggressive animal. the result will be the same no matter whether the victim is dog, cat or even human. perhaps its because such a distrustful cynical attitude is so widespread these days that so many communities are falling apart. my worry is that if Lennox is not released soon, his temperament will be so ruined be the conditions in which he is being kept that he won't be able to go home at all.

• Nitefeatherz | Apr 02, 2011, 02:26 AM EDT

  Dog breed legislation such as is described here is quite dangerous in my opinion. Pit bulls aren't dangerous beyond their reputation as a "dangerous" breed- which makes them more attractive to those who want a dangerous dog. If Golden Retrievers, or poodles, or any other breed of dog were large, strong, and had a reptuation as being aggressive those also would probably be targeted. The end result: someone who wants a dangerous dog- or someone who doesn't care to do what it takes to avoid having a dangerous dog- generally will wind up with a dangerous dog. Focusing on the breed or type of dog is quite dangerous- it teaches people to look at the breed rather than the behavior of the dog. I work in an animal hospital in New York and since pit bulls make up a majority of the dogs in shelters nearby many people here own them. I can tell you that aside from one that was taught to be vicious by its owner (which is the owner's fault, not the dogs,) they have all been sweet-tempered, friendly, obedient dogs. I know at least one that helps her owner raise newborn kittens! Look at the deed- not the breed. What they did to this dog was wrong.

• TreeTree | Apr 02, 2011, 01:23 AM EDT

  Very good point Carly888.

• TreeTree | Apr 02, 2011, 01:22 AM EDT

  sirpeter - Why on earth would you choose to starve a dog? Dogs are only as good as their owners. I guess you would fit right in with the woman who starved Patrick. They call him The Patrick Miracle. He was starved, and nearly dead when they found him. That's not how you treat an animal. Lennox has no history of violence. You've shown more violence with your single comment than I've seen with all this on Lennox. He is a good dog and deserves to live. He should be with his family. He should be home with Brooke. The Belfast City Council should be ashamed. Lennox shouldn't have to suffer like this, nor should his family. I can tell you this, if you cease Lennox you will run your name right into the ground. More so than you already have. My view on Belfast is extremely low.

• Carly888 | Apr 02, 2011, 12:52 AM EDT

  Belfast Council, you should be ashamed of yourselves. taring all pitballs with the same brush... so if 1 of your family members was convicted of a crime, would that mean you are likely to commit one 2! Talk a bita sense 4 once...

• braxton | Apr 02, 2011, 12:11 AM EDT

  No such breed as a pit bull. There is absolutely NO methodology in existence anywhere in the world by which the breed components of a dog of unknown parentage can be identified with any level of certainty. Any government/council/individual/pound who says they can is kidding themselves and committing fraud.Misfeasance a form of wrongdoing, especially the doing of something lawful in an unlawful way so that the rights of others are infringed. Generally, a civil defendant will be liable for misfeasance if the defendant owed a duty of care toward the plaintiff, the defendant breached that duty of care by improperly performing a legal act, and the improper performance resulted in harm to the plaintiff. Misfeasance n. management of a business, public office or other responsibility in which there are errors and an unfortunate result through mistake or carelessness, but without evil intent and/or violation of law. Misfeasance is distinguished from "malfeasance" which is conduct in violation of the law.Malfeasance wrongdoing or improper or dishonest conduct, especially by a person who holds public office or a position of trust, intentionally doing something either legally or morally wrong which one had no right to do. It always involves dishonesty, illegality, or knowingly exceeding authority for improper reasons. Malfeasance is distinguished from "misfeasance," which is committing a wrong or error by mistake, negligence or inadvertence, but not by intentional wrongdoing.I hope the family sue Belfast, the is no such breed as a pit bull.Is illegal to use breed standards to identify dogs.The breed id is fraudulent!!

• Pittsburghkid | Apr 01, 2011, 10:49 PM EDT

  That's a Pit Bull. Pit Bulls are dangerious dogs. They are an American Bred of dog. As a matter of fact, there was a Pit Bull in Jack London's book "Call of the Wild". They are bred to kill. When they bit a man's leg, they will grab on the the leg with their powerful jaws, and bite threw the bone.

• Prayerful | Apr 01, 2011, 10:46 PM EDT

  The whole world is watching this case with disgust while changing vacation plans to go anywhere but Ireland. Belfast is hurting the tourism economy for all of Ireland as well as making the rest look like soulless idiots. We're VERY afraid that they will kill Lennox now because of their egos and obvious wrath. As for Sirpeter's comment, well it is a perfect example of ignorance and hate and prejudice. I know my dogs, do YOU know your bottomless soul? GOD is watching the BCC and I don't think that HE is impressed.

• timbobdennehy | Apr 01, 2011, 10:01 PM EDT

  to update my last comment,mainland uk has people that should be put to rest as does ireland,this dog is a heinz variety,mixed aka pitbull ish/labrador,a labrador is the most gentle dog ever,i dont mean to add this but you could kick a lab is the nuts and he would still come back wagging his tail,he is the most docile ,intelligent of dogs,if anything the lab side of the dogs head will kick in,they don,t retaliate.they are all for peace,so up yours british crown court,i would sue the bollocks out of you,imbeciles.

• sirpeter | Apr 01, 2011, 09:56 PM EDT

  pugsmom..Don't equate a dog with a human..That's your first stupid mistake. A human has free will.A dog doesn't!! Don't think a dog loves you in a human sense..It doesn't. You think a dog is like a human and loves you and is totally committed to you and making you happy. You are only the dogs Alpha male/female. Want to put your dogs love for you to the test? Don't feed your dog for 2 weeks,just water the dog and then put your 2 month old child in with the dog and close the door. The dog will eat your child and here's the love part. Don't scream at the dog when you go back in and just watch him wag his tail and furiously lick you all over for feeding him. When the dog had his fill of your child..Here is the love the dog will give you..The dog will bring you whats left. Don't hit the dog or you will confuse it. Try it out dog lover. Get to know what your dog is really like.

• kimmi426 | Apr 01, 2011, 09:54 PM EDT

  I think ya`ll suck. Who the hell do you think you are putting an animal down cause it doesnt look like youwant it to? How about your child get put down cause its ugly? Is that fair? NO. Just like it isnt fair that the poor dog got put down. You people disgust me.

• timbobdennehy | Apr 01, 2011, 09:43 PM EDT

  hello belfast is not ireland and has,nt been for years.its northern ireland british law of sorts. pitbulls are legal in ireland,if you bring them on the street for a walk they have to wear a muzzle. look at the poor girl,if she dies its the crows fault.not the poor dogs fault. if the dog bit someone fair and well but he has,nt.

• Aine2093 | Apr 01, 2011, 09:40 PM EDT

  Can't the humane society seize the dog until this is settled. The dogs living conditions must be the priority now and then sue the council later.

• sirpeter | Apr 01, 2011, 09:25 PM EDT

  crazydoglady..You haven't a clue about animals do you. I suppose your dog is your baby.Treat it like a baby too..do you. You're right about Terrier's they don't take commands very well. Small, but can be very dangerous to a child. Well known for been aggressive.Many a child's face was scared for life by those dogs.They bite alot too.Too highly strung. Not the dogs fault.It's never the animal's fault,no matter what he does. If you think I'm talking rubbish then it's YOU and your kind I'm talking about. If I had my way I'd take 80% of dogs away from their owners. 80% of dog owners neglect their pets one way or the other health wise and mentally. You think a big fat ass dog owner is going to walk in the rain or sun for a couple of hours every day of the week. Instead they are locked in a house or bored to death in a yard or left out unattended in urban areas. Don't tell me I don't know what I am talking about. I've been looking at these "dog lovers" all my life.

• Fastest | Apr 01, 2011, 06:59 PM EDT

  Lennox looks like he has a lot of Irish Setter features. One thing for sure, on neither side of the pond is there such an animal as a PitT Bull. Seems like this verifies the suspicion that many Nazi's and their brood moved to Ireland.

• cailinrua | Apr 01, 2011, 05:43 PM EDT

  What did this dog do? Did it viciously attack someone? Was the dog treated cruelly by it's owners and removed from it's home? Why did the dog get taken away in the first place? From reading the article, it doesn't sound like it to me. Even if this dog were an APBT, doesn't make it a vicious, uncontrollable animal that needs to be put down. Sentencing this poor dog to death because it "looks" dangerous is crossing a line that should not be crossed. Will they start removing humans from their homes and killing them because they "look" dangerous?

• KyPittieLuver | Apr 01, 2011, 05:03 PM EDT

  This is pathetic. I have been a lover of bully breeds for 28 years and have owned at least one at all times and NEVER once had any problems. They are a strong breed that needs a strong owner. They are a product that man created and like usual man has turned his back on them. When raised properly they are wonderful companions. I have no problem with strict laws that protect us from aggressive dogs. Not just bully breeds. I also find that most people can't tell the difference between a Boxer and an American Pit Bull Terrier. You can thank the media for all of the lies and slanted news that we get spoon fed. Seems like in this day and age people can't think for themselves we have to be told what to think and believe.

• irenakovacic | Apr 01, 2011, 04:53 PM EDT

  the family loves her, she never did nothing wrong WHY KILL HER ? Because somebody doesn`t like the way she looks ?!? What`s next ?????

• aloistmartin | Apr 01, 2011, 02:24 PM EDT

  Never send a Boy .. to do God`s Work @z ! .....

• invercauld | Apr 01, 2011, 01:08 PM EDT

  does someone not like the dog? What happens if the little girl gets sicker? Does the family go back to the city council? Why should the family pay for his keep if they can not see him? It sounds like the council does not know what they are doing.

• pugsmom | Apr 01, 2011, 12:32 PM EDT

  And a human can kill ANYTHING, sirpeter, including babies, toddlers, old folks, animals, with greater efficiency and gleeful abandonment than any other species on this planet, yet we continue to coddle and try to rehabilitate every kind of filth and garbage, as long as it walks upright on 2 legs! If "looks" were a reason to be executed, we wouldn't need counselors, policemen, and prisons. I have a Pit cross dog, and I wouldn't trade the world for her love and total commitment to me! Shame on you and everyone else who believes a dog should be killed just because of an accident of birth........generally caused by the stupidity of .......humans.

• LadySyn | Apr 01, 2011, 09:01 AM EDT

  If they cannot return Lennox to his owners (due to his cruel treatment and undeserved incarceration for the past YEAR) than at least grant custody of the dog to a professional in dog behavior and psychology. There are HUNDREDS willing to take Lennox out of Belfast and work with any trust issues he has developed in the past year. Is mercy such an unreasonable request to grant a little girl that has been deprived of her best friend?

• LadySyn | Apr 01, 2011, 08:55 AM EDT

  It is no wonder mankind has sought for centuries to imprison, enslave and murder one another for the slightest differences in appearance and beliefs. What makes one creature more deserving of life than any other? Sir, YOU could kill a child, and yet no one has sought to imprison or kill you. More children are killed by their OWN MOTHERS than by ALL breeds of domestic canids, put together. The only evil in this case stands on two legs.

• crazydoglady | Apr 01, 2011, 08:43 AM EDT

  Sirpeter, are you actually serious? I agree, the headline is a joke, but so is your comment surely? So Lennox is to be punished for BCC keeping him in inhumane conditions??? And as for 'not taking any chances' with bullbreeds, staffordshire bull terriers, for instance, are one of only TWO breeds listed by the Kennel Club as having "a natural affinity with children" so killing a child in 2 mins isn't normally top of their agenda. And as for people who have to repeat commands being idiots - have you ever even met a TERRIER?! What about a sight hound? They're not known for instant compliant, that doesn't make them dangerous any more than Lennox's wide set build makes him dangerous. Utterly ludicrous comments all round.

• DenJo24 | Apr 01, 2011, 08:41 AM EDT

  Firstly, the headline it totally inaccurate. Lennox is still alive and an appeal is being launched against the decision. Almost 30,000 have signed up and are working their hardest to get the decision over turned. So many mistakes and cover ups from BCC and an expert who has no idea on how to handle any sort of dog. Join Save Lennox and help get him home

• PAWSRescue | Apr 01, 2011, 07:21 AM EDT

  FINALLY, you covered an Irish Animal Welfare story, even if it is in the UK.

• sirpeter | Apr 01, 2011, 06:20 AM EDT

  Belfast City "executes" dog..IC headlines are a joke. If that's what the dog looks like as a puppy. With those heavy set jaws and body.Since then he has been confined in conditions which are described as inhumane. Best not take any chances. No dog can be trusted when they are that powerfully set.Those dogs can kill a child in 2 mins.Since quiet a few people can't even control their own kids. I have very little trust in dog owners. Since dogs are pack animals they insist on a alpha male. A dog in a household is quite happy to be bottom of the household pack as he then feels no need to protect and that's where he should be,as not to be a danger. To all "dog lovers" if you have to repeat a command more then twice to your dog to get it to obey you instantly. You do not have control of the dog.Depending on the dogs temperament,it is a real danger to any child and you are not a dog lover.But an idiot.

• warrenpoint00 | Mar 31, 2011, 07:56 PM EDT

  Sweet jasus .I thought they shot Ian Og Paisely.So close.

• antoman | Mar 31, 2011, 07:52 PM EDT

  I mean Dublin.

• antoman | Mar 31, 2011, 07:48 PM EDT

  This would never have happened in Cork.The dog would have been given a barrister and a tribunal convened lasting no less than eight years and costing the people at least half a billion euro to investigate and see were it a dog at all.

• Marialovesdogs | Mar 31, 2011, 07:08 PM EDT

  There is no end to how much this pisses me off. If we were to judge humans from looks, a significant amount of innocent people would be locked up, or, in places around the world with the death penalty, killed. Lennox needs to be returned to his family right now, and the people who took him in the first place needs to find something better to do with their lives. I've never been to Ireland but I'm assuming that there should be better things to put time and money into than stealing people's loved pets.

• viviennejarvis | Mar 31, 2011, 07:01 PM EDT

  I am a Belfast descendant New Zealander and for the first time are ashamed to admit this. The council obviously have too much time on their hands if all you have to worry about is what a dog looks like. How would they handle what the Christchurch City Council has to deal with after the earthquake. A third of the city houses are damaged, services are still not all fixed over a month later, decisions about beautiful heritage buidlings need to be made etc. And all they have to worry about is a dog that looks like a pit bull. Well people say I look Irish with my blue eyes and dark hair. It is enough now to make me want to dye my hair lighter. They need to get a life and wake up and smell the roses. Send your councillors with too much time on their hands to Japan or here to lend a hand. Then they will know what a real councillor has to contend with. They make me sick!

• lisashoenf | Mar 31, 2011, 06:57 PM EDT

  Lennox needs to be returned to his family! I am completely appalled at the Dangerous Dog Order prohibiting ownership of a dog that has the characteristics of a banned breed. This is ridiculous! The Government should be ashamed of themselves. This is completely inhumane to take a dog from a family especially with a child with a disability in which this dog helps her and is not a pitbull! And the conditions that Lennox is being held in and the way he is being treated and they want the family to pay for this is insane!! They will answer to God for their inhumane treatment of Lennox and all animals! They need to stop this now!!

• KathrynB | Mar 31, 2011, 06:38 PM EDT

  This article says it all. Lennox is a much loved family dog whose owners have kept every aspect of the law. He is an American bulldog/Labrador cross NOT a pitbull. He has been wrongly seized and kept in inhumane conditions for nearly a year. Please return him to his loving family.

• annpritchard | Mar 31, 2011, 06:30 PM EDT

  I think this dog is a x breed and a very loved family pet. He has done no wrong whatsoever, and should be released immediately. There ARE dangerous dogs out there, but Lennox is clearly not one, even his brother was deemed to be a labrador x not a dangerous breed at all. I think there has been a grave miscarriage of justice and anyone with any feelings towards animals who rely on this should let Belfast City Council know how ashamed of themselves they should be. Save Lennox!!!

• Renee750il | Mar 31, 2011, 06:15 PM EDT

  How very . . . British of the Belfast council. Perhaps council members should review their own long history to gain perspective on such spurious persecution.

• fuerte181 | Mar 31, 2011, 05:28 PM EDT

  I hope this article and everyone's support is not falling on deaf ears. They should be ashamed of themselves.

• wasqazz | Mar 31, 2011, 05:26 PM EDT

  what a bunch of crap..i do have a pitbull.. my second . my first was poisoned by a neighbor.. they're the best family dog..so smart..i've always wanted to live in Ireland..till now..maybe i'll just visit.. leave my pit at home where he is safe..

• lisahill63 | Mar 31, 2011, 04:56 PM EDT

  This disgusts me. They take a loving family member from a child..a disabled child no less. This dog was her companion and best friend. I could see if the dog had caused problems but this dog had no issues and no one complained! And since when does a tape measure determine dog breeds? This has gone on too long. Return Lennox to his home and family. He is suffering. His family is suffering. His mate is suffering. Be an example of tolerance and mercy not cold..hard and calculating. Breed typing is stupid anyway. Anyone with a brain in their head knows any dog is capable of being vicious and it's humans that make them that way. It's time to stop the madness and stop banning breeds...punish the deed..not the breed.

• mjUSAdoglover | Mar 31, 2011, 04:45 PM EDT

  This is an absolute travisty. These people have no clue about this dog. The members of the Belfast Council need to look at their own muzzles.Do you not remember a man named Hitler? Did he not judge people for who they were? Many people died to stop this unjustice during WWII now we are ready to fight to return this dog to the chld. These individuals have no training, they would not permit DNA tests to validate the dog, They are holding this dog in the most horrendous conditions. These men and the judge need to be stopped. I am from the USA and I am fighting to return this dog to his family. LENNOX MUST BE SAVED AND RETURNED TO HIS FAMILY.

• tracybuc | Mar 31, 2011, 04:41 PM EDT

  This is an absolute disgrace I dont know about lennox growling you would growl if you had been removed from your family and had no stimulation for all them moves. The council need suing for the hurt they have caused. Just admit you are wrong and let him got back to where he belongs

• lookscankill | Mar 31, 2011, 04:30 PM EDT

  My name looks can kill.. is refering to POOR OLD LENNOX.. BECAUS EIT IS HIS LOOKS THAT WILL KILL HIM..not his beautiful personailty

• lookscankill | Mar 31, 2011, 04:29 PM EDT

  Can anyone..read.. or understand what there reading ,,and if so ..why is this dog still been held.. I think the dog wardens and belfast council..should release the dog back to his family before he is tramatised anymore.enough is enough ..we undestand lennox is not a dangerous dog..SO I JUST DONT GET WHY NOONE CAN GET THE DOG FREE.. WHATS THE PROBLEM?..why are they holding him..

• june123 | Mar 31, 2011, 04:16 PM EDT

  You might also be interested to know that Belfast City Council has stated that their dog wardens and police officers are not trained in dog breed identification. None at all. Lennox was first taken as being of "pit bulltype".The family can prove he is not pit so the charge was changed to "dangerous".And then to add insult to injury he is condemned on the basis of what he might do in the future.In which case every animal,including humankind,needs to be put down. Because I have no idea what I am doing in the future and nobody can predict what I will do. So euthanasia for me then

• Gigi1965 | Mar 31, 2011, 04:07 PM EDT

  You need DNA evidence people, for crying out loud! It's the 21st century! Dress makers tape measure...and 2 dumb,uneducated wardens who had the nerve to smoke cigarettes and have tea with the family before taking their dog.Sounds like in a third world country...

• june123 | Mar 31, 2011, 03:57 PM EDT

  Lennox litter mate was DNA tested and there was no pitbull in him.So one brother is not pit and the other is because he looks like one? The judge would not allow DNA evidence in court. Notr was it mentioned the expert who said Lennox was dangerous hauled him round the yard with a grab hook.The said that because Lennox would not look him in the eyes meant Lennox is dangerous.Dogs will not make eye contact because it could be a challenge or because they are being submissive or because they are afraid.He also said Lennox jumped at his back when he was closing the cell gate.That has to mean he was outside the cage does it not?So how did Lennox jump at his back? Look that man up because he has stated elsewhere that the way a dog behaves on one day with one person does not mean he will behave that way on another day with someone else. The wardens said Lennox growled at them. Any surprises there for those of us with commonsense?

• AngelaLGunning | Mar 31, 2011, 01:00 PM EDT

  I believe that the Belfast City Council has broken International Laws and they do not have a legal right to hold the Lennox Family dog hostage under these circumstances. The Belfast City Council has abused their power and should be held accountable for unlawful acts. The dog should be returned to it's rightful owners where it can resume it's job as a Companion Service Dog for the Lennox family's handicapped child. This is an outrage!

• bairbre07 | Mar 31, 2011, 12:25 PM EDT

  This is a tragedy. Can't those in charge see and believe the difference? Does the poor animal have to pay the price for someone's not knowing the difference? I am no fan of the pitt bull, but shouldn't it be given the benefit of the doubt. Very sad to hear this. animals always pay for the ignorance of humans.