Death row dog Lennon has been granted a last minute reprieve – as a Belfast judge considers one final appeal to spare his life.
Owner Caroline Barnes and her disabled Brooke have been offered fresh hope in their battle to save Lennox from death.
The pitbull style dog was sentenced to be put down after he was seized by dog wardens in Belfast in May 2010.
The dog has been held at a pound ever since then as experts debate whether or not he is an American bulldog as Caroline claims.
Wardens claimed that Lennox is a banned pitbull-type dog who poses a danger to the public. They also alleged he attacked two people near the family home.
Belfast County Court judge Henry Rodgers agreed with the wardens last month and ordered that Lennox be put down.
A worldwide campaign has since been launched to save Lennox and owner Barnes has now lodged a final appeal to spare his life.
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READ MORE:
Clock ticking as family make final effort to save Lennox
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A spokeswoman for the Lord Chief Justice Office of Northern Ireland told the Belfast Telegraph that Ms Barnes’ legal team lodged papers on October 21, applying to the Court of Appeal.
The judge has 21 days to consider the latest appeal with a decision due on November 11th.
A Belfast City Council spokesman said: “A request has been made to the trial judge to state a case for the opinion of the Court of Appeal on a purported point of law.
“Lennox continues to be kennelled and cared for pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.”
The Belfast Telegraph reports that 119,318 people have now signed the Save Lennox petition for the attention of the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.
The paper also reports that one online supporter from the USA posted: “Please do the right thing and send this baby home to his girl. They both need each other. Wisconsin is praying for you Lennox.”
Another Lennox supporter said: “Save Lennox, a dog who has never committed an offence in his life may be ruthlessly put to sleep for a stupid reason. Please spare his life and return him to his happy family home.”
One furious dog lover added on the website www.savelennox.co.uk : “Farce, get it over with and send him home,” while a woman posted: “This wee man definitely deserves to be saved.”
Paula Boyden, veterinary director at Dogs Trust, told the paper that the issue of dangerous dogs and protecting the public has been one that has posed a problem for legislators in the UK for many years.
“The implementation of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 has had a significant effect on the welfare of some dogs, which have either been kept in kennels for many years or euthanized simply because of their breed or type,” said Boyden.
“Further improvements are needed and the Dogs Trust has called for an amendment to the Dangerous Dogs Act to reflect the ‘deed not breed’ of a dog; to adequately deal with aggressive or dangerous dogs based on the actions of a dog rather than its breed.”
Here's a video released by the 'Save Lennox' campaign:
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READ MORE:
Clock ticking as family make final effort to save Lennox
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Jers | Jul 05, 2012, 06:06 PM EDT
One more thing and then I will shut up. From the pictures, the size of the dogs eyes and the length of his ears and the way they hang as well his height and the length of his snout and width of his chest and head say more Bulldog then Pit bull
Jers | Jul 05, 2012, 05:42 PM EDT
whatISinAname, Here are some statistics for you! My Rottweiler bit ONE person in his life and did so on command as someone tried to break into my home through a window. He held him until the police arrived. He left no injuries and the intruder did not require medical attention. My second Rottweiler never bit anyone (except on command in training) and was raised with my 1 and 4 year-olds and my grandfather in-law (who suffered from dementia). He guided my grandfather in-law around when he got confused. He helped my youngest learn how to walk and later used his big head to catch my son when he was about to fall so my son never hit the ground. My Czech GSD (also on many banned breed lists) has never bitten anyone (except on command during training). He is currently being trained as a Search and Rescue Canine. All of my dogs, rescued or bred, have passed the AKC's CGC. I volunteer at a no-kill shelter and work mostly with the Pitbull and Rottweiler breeds, walking and caring for them. I have been bitten twice - by a Dalmatian and a Springer Spaniel both from abusive homes - I required stitches both times. I also have permanent scars from a Chihuahua who spent most of her life carried around in some lady's purse. (Although I was once almost licked to death by a rescued Rottweiler, I do not know where that fits into your so-called statistics) Sorry if all of this messes with your beliefs.
Jers | Jul 05, 2012, 04:50 PM EDT
I had no idea such ignorance and lack of intelligence existed at the judicial level in Belfast. There is a fast and easy blood test that would determine the breed of this dog, yet a massive amount of resources and money have been wasted instead. You have refused countless volunteers who offered this canine sanctuary outside of your country and you've held him for over a year forcing him to live in horrible conditions. EPIC FAIL - You should be ashamed of yourselves. As for your silly law, we have a saying here, "BAN THE DEED, NOT THE BREED!"
DrSheilahere | Apr 20, 2012, 11:29 AM EDT
McKenzie, my West HIghland Terrier, is in a beauty contest;donation to Bright/Beautiful Therapy #Dogs.Pls vote. Go to Moore Mag. Must Sign in. Type in Sheila Dunnells.Vote.
Boxerangel | Jan 23, 2012, 04:08 AM EST
I just dont understand what the JUDGE AND THE COUNCIL DOGWARDENS think they are playing at when it wasn't LENNOX they were meant to be getting.Does the judge not read this?Does he not care?This has gone way to far now and got completely out of hand and surely LENNOX is now being kept by them illegally?What can the lawyers acting for the family not secure the release for lennox? There is more than enough evidence and new at that for the judge to release him..... THIS IS NOT RIGHT ATALL AND CERTAINLY I WILL NOT THINK THE SAME ABOUT THE LAW WHEN THEY CAN BARGE INTO SOMEONES HOUSE AND REMOVE THEIR DAUGHTERS THERAPY DOG AND THE BEAUTIFUL BOY HAS DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG ATALL... THIS REALLY HAS TO BE STOPPED ,THERE MUST BE A LAWYER SOMEWHERE WHO CAN STOP WHAT THEY ARE ABOUT TO DO???????????
thisisnotaname | Jan 13, 2012, 01:38 PM EST
The latest CDC "Dog Bite: Fact Sheet" includes a disclaimer regarding its study, saying that "it does not identify specific breeds that are most likely to bite or kill, and thus is not appropriate for policy-making decisions related to the topic. Each year, 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs. These bites result in approximately 16 fatalities; about 0.0002 percent of the total number of people bitten. These relatively few fatalities offer the only available information about breeds involved in dog bites. There is currently no accurate way to identify the number of dogs of a particular breed, and consequently no measure to determine which breeds are more likely to bite or kill." WhatISinAname - Get a life. I've seen your posts all over the internet. You have an opinion on everything, don't you. Guess what noone cares about your opinion, and you know it. You're just some evil troll looking to bring everyone down. Go outside and find yourself a productive hobby, stop hanging out on the internet all day voicing your opinion under an anonymous name. They should probably put you down instead of this dog. It's a safe bet the world would be a better place with Lennox in it and you gone. You pitbull racist.
whatISinAname | Dec 04, 2011, 10:44 AM EST
rostrevor.. the typical Irish Argument.. Ignorance is bliss to the Irish that is why their society is falling apart cant compete in the big bad world....
rostrevor | Nov 29, 2011, 09:40 AM EST
WhatISinAname Your’re a twat..Typical American, have to have more than your share of everything, including your opinion!!!
whatISinAname | Nov 06, 2011, 07:44 PM EST
So lets do it again for the slow ones. Two types of dogs top the list for the past 10 years killing humans in the USA. “Pit bull type” dogs and Rottweilers. Now what these people are really arguing is that if the same owners of these dog killers had instead owned Irish setters or Poodles that there would be no statistical change in the amount of dogs killing humans. With me still or do I need to explain it. Then they go on to argue that dogs, well they are like a gun It is the humans fault. There are no bad breeds. If the human only did this or that it would have been different. Sorry, not so. The statistics do not bear out your argument. Pit's and Rot's are killers. They lead the list. Why do they lead the list every year? Because there is something in their nature that will relentlessly grab hold of you and kill you.
whatISinAname | Nov 06, 2011, 07:36 PM EST
Oh by the way, tell the anti treaty crowd that Belfast is not part of Ireland.
whatISinAname | Nov 06, 2011, 07:35 PM EST
ahh, I was waiting for the ignorant ones to come out. The ones who don't look at Math, Science or Statistics but rather find their meaning in life from the opinions of celebrities like celebrity dog trainers. Not that they have any self or financial interest in saying what they say. Or the ones who get their information or "Facts" as they cal it from the Save Lennox website. Quick try and understand this, the save Lennox website is out to change a court decision by public opinion, they will say anything to do so.
sparkle.diamond | Nov 06, 2011, 07:03 PM EST
One last point BELFAST IS NOT PART OF IRELAND. IT IS PART OF THE UK. I love all these stupid Americans banging on about their "Irish" heritage but they dont even know the geography. Geez.
sparkle.diamond | Nov 06, 2011, 07:01 PM EST
The big problem is humans. Control your dog. Train your dog. Do not let your dog loose. Keep your dog leashed. Love your dog. Breed only matters in regards to the humans ability to handle it. Open your brain people. HUMANS OWN DOGS. HUMANS ARE SUPPOSED TO CONTROL THEIR DOGS. LENNOXES OWNERS DID ALL OF THE ABOVE.
sparkle.diamond | Nov 06, 2011, 07:00 PM EST
Also, whatsinaname, facts are as follows - the dog was taken because he LOOKED a certain way. He never harmed anybody. He had been licensed for the past five years by the council. Dog warden was caught red handed LYING about the dogs aggression. Fact is you are a moron. Regards xoxo
sparkle.diamond | Nov 06, 2011, 06:56 PM EST
Whatsinaname - I get so tired of arguing with ignorant people like yourself in regards to dangerous dogs. First of all, you may want to check your spelling. PIT bull. Second of all, Lennox was blood tested and found (guess what) NOT to be a pit bull. Reputable dog trainers all over the world will tell you that there are no bad dogs, just bad OWNERS. Like a dumb ass who has 2 pit bulls yet lets them loose to kill a horse. Fool shouldnt have a dog. I bet you never worked a day in your life with dogs, THEREFORE your ignorant opinion is VOID. Thank you.
whatISinAname | Nov 04, 2011, 12:34 PM EDT
Well let’s look at your question. In 1988 in the USA there was one reported dog killing of a human. A family dog, a lab killed a two year named Megan Stack. By 2003 there were 8 killings, 50% of those killings were by “Pitt bull type” dogs. Three of the four killed by Pitt bull type dogs were either senior citizens or children under five. By 2006, 29 people were killed. 40% of those people killed by “Pitt bull type” dogs. 2007 – 34 people 41% Pitt bull type dog. 2008 – 23 people 43% by Pitt bull type dog. 2009 – 30 people 32% by Pitt bull type. 2010 - 32 people 53%. When you go down the list you see most of these people are either “the family loving dog” has killed grandma or grandpa of a child. So these “tree hugging” ignorant people who like to think of dogs as humans can maybe learn something that “Real People” are dying in the 40% range of attack by a type of dog that needs to be eliminated. I won’t even go into the amount of Pitt bull type dog attacks and killings against other animals that occur each year, like just happened in Georgia last week when two Pitt bull type dogs escaped from their yard and killed a horse. Yes a horse. And please I do not want to play the "game" that Lennox is not a Pitt bull type dog.
eringobragh1234 | Nov 03, 2011, 11:07 PM EDT
Where is my comment that I typed up? It has been more than several minutes & it has not shown up.
IrishNOmore | Nov 03, 2011, 10:48 PM EDT
Please see sense and send him home , do you really think any mother would allow a dangerous dog near her children NO of course not which is why this family have fought so hard to get this beloved dog back home to the family he trusts and and they trust him 100% , I am totally ashamed to be calling myself Irish i as born in belfast and am disgusted my home town ats this way god be with you lennox the WORLD is watching very closely x
whatISinAname | Nov 03, 2011, 01:49 PM EDT
Some people have to have the last word. Facts that are presented in a court of law are replaced with hearsay evidence found on websites. Words like murder no longer apply to just the killing of humans but now apply to the killing of dogs. People come to their conclusions in this case based on emotion not facts, evidence and laws.
DawnTurner | Nov 03, 2011, 06:58 AM EDT
Some people have to have the last word, every comment is snipped at because they have such a huge sense of self worth, the warden stated in court that Lennox has never attacked anyone. The judge upheld the order of destruction ( murder) on the belief that Lennox had attacked and was therefore unpredictable. Lennox has never attacked is not a pit bull and has been registered and licensed with BCC for the previous 5 years, he is also neutered insured and micro chipped, Lennox should be returned to his loving law abiding family.
whatISinAname | Nov 02, 2011, 03:31 PM EDT
I use to wonder why some of these bloggers came to the conclusions that they did. What was the world coming to? Then I realized, maybe some are ignorant but I would say most are probably just teenagers. I sense this in he way that they write. I mean take the one below where he talks about all the facts are on the web. The facts cant be found in a court of law but rather hearsay statements and evidence are to be now considered "facts" and are found on the web. Or the woman below who talks about our nations laws "suck for humans and our animals" I mean the next sentence, They do it to people everyday. What they are killing people everyday? Is it ignorance or is it just inexperience? Are we heading down the toilet with the next generations or are we already there?
veronicaric | Nov 02, 2011, 10:23 AM EDT
I think that the laws of our nation suck for our humans and our animals that are to be mans best friend. It does not surprise me that they are trying and are killing our innocent dogs. They do it to people everyday. Get rid of the stupid laws
whatISinAname | Nov 02, 2011, 12:04 AM EDT
Thank you "Fact Dispenser". The world is a safer place knowing you have all the facts and where to find them. The past year the judicial system has only produced conspiracy and cover-up. Let us also give more credibility to the movie star dog handlers, because they are on TV. Maybe we can look to movie stars for all of our answers in life.
Luciafirefly | Nov 01, 2011, 08:01 PM EDT
People who are complaining that the "facts" indicate Lennox is guilty have obviously not looked into the real facts, namely that the dog never attacked anyone (the dog wardens' warrant was for another dog at another address), there are pictures of the dog interacting affectionately w. the dog warden who lately claimed the dog was dangerous (in effort to save her job after making a terrible mistake), and that REAL dog behavior specialists all a calling for Lennox's release. The only "expert" to testify against Lennox was actually a former police dog handler whose credentials and tactics have been questioned by numerous well-known dog experts. All the facts are available online, and point to this dog being the victim of incompetence and misconduct on the part of Belfast authorities.
whatISinAname | Nov 01, 2011, 05:58 PM EDT
Yes you big bad Ireland, please do not enforce your laws. The little girl needs her 80 pound Pitt Bull type doggie. Please Ireland. Oh never-mind what those big bad adults testified to and what the judicial system decided about the viciousness of the doggie they are just adult humans. Listen to me because I have feeling and I am a dog lover.
irisheyes72 | Nov 01, 2011, 03:57 PM EDT
I think it's terrible. People of Ireland,please don't let this happen. That little girl needs her pet.
whatISinAname | Nov 01, 2011, 02:45 PM EDT
Yes lets just ignore the facts, the experts, the laws and the judicial process and lets make the outcome political, a popularity contest. We can do that with all laws, have an election once a month as to who is guilty and innocent. Maybe we can even get a big ring and put these accused in the middle. Add some lions and if they live then they are free. What do you think?
sirpeter | Nov 01, 2011, 01:32 PM EDT
OK!! Leave him home.He'll be watched carefully at this stage