41 Comments

• Boxerangel | Jan 23, 2012, 09:39 AM EST

  OH AND BY THE WAY A QUOTE FROM AN EARLIER POST ABOUT WHAT THE OWNER OF LENNOX HAD SAID ABOUT HER DOG BEING NERVOUS AND WARY OF STRANGERS!!!!!! MOST DOGS ARE OBVIOUSLY SAID BY SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT OR HAS NEVER HAD A DOG!!!!1

• Boxerangel | Jan 23, 2012, 09:36 AM EST

  IRELAND YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO ALL THAT IS GOOD ABOUT THIS WORLD!!! RELEASE POOR LENNOX NOW..ITS UNFORGIVABLE WHAT YOU HAVE ALL PUT THIS POOR DOG AND FAMILY THROUGH AND NOTHING SHORT OF ANIMAL CRUELTY IN ITS WORST FORM...YOU SHOULD ALL BE HELD UP BEFORE A JUDGE FOR PERJURY........

• Ravynnelyn | Nov 14, 2011, 11:42 AM EST

  The visitors to Lennox's house went to the wrong house, and they MEASURED Lennox and then ignorantly decided he was a pittie, ignoring proof that he is not. They want to kill Lennox because he looks like a pittie. The dog warden lied in court. There are pictures of her petting Lennox and Lennox giving her kisses. She is no more afraid of him then I am afraid of my keyboard. The so-called dog expert has no college degree and is not a qualified dog behaviorist. The judge had no business at all listening to him over qualified experts, and now this second judge is dragging this out! WHY? It makes me feel like they are trying to trump up further falsehoods against Lennox because they refuse to admit they made a huge mistake in taking this innocent dog in the first place!

• whatISinAname | Oct 13, 2011, 03:54 PM EDT

  belfast Telegraph quote: Very peaceful type people: More than 20,000 supporters have joined the Save Lennox campaign since the pet was impounded in May 2010. At one stage threatening letters — including one drenched in petrol — were sent to female dog wardens, while another officer had her car tyres slashed. Lennox’s devastated owner said she hoped to appeal yesterday’s decision before the summer.

• whatISinAname | Oct 13, 2011, 03:51 PM EDT

  Some quotes from Belfast Telegraph Mar 30. Owner of the dog said: “Lennox isn’t a bad dog — he’s just frightened of people he doesn’t know. He is a big dog but he has no issue with anyone or anything, except strangers.“If people came and saw how he behaves at home, how much a part of our family he is, they would make a different decision.”

• rosks304 | Oct 13, 2011, 11:31 AM EDT

  A Bloody Disgrace.May all those involved in this Cruel Incarceration including that Sick Judge Die a Painful death,sooner rather than later.

• sirpeter | Oct 13, 2011, 12:20 AM EDT

  Sarah99.As for spelling.I don't think it matters to much.As Martin Luther King would have said.Never judge a person by their spelling but by the content of their comments.Take care now Sarah and remember animal needs first!!Not love.

• sirpeter | Oct 12, 2011, 11:55 PM EDT

  @Sarah99.Get a grip!!.I will never agree to agree with you.NEWS ARTICLES are not always fact you silly woman.I say that not for YOU but to protect any animal you might have.I am extremely good with any animal.Speaking for all the animals of the world you are a failure in your love for animals.You only want an animal because they GIVE you something.Would you have the same affection for a Spider or a wild Rat? I love them all and you know fu*k all.You should see how attentive a male rat is to his female.Sarah I WANT TO MAKE YOUR BLOOD BOIL.So you listen to your pet and not sit on your fat over-sized ass which you probably have and take your dog for a walk even if it is raining or you feel tired.Are you BOILING MORE NOW? GOOD!!!!!

• sirpeter | Oct 12, 2011, 11:17 PM EDT

  LainieMcEl.That's a good comment because you are not blinded by been a stupid "AN ANIMAL LOVER".Most animal lovers are not really animal lovers.THAT IS A FACT.They love the perceived "UNCONDITIONAL LOVE" of an animal.Something the animal is not aware of.I have trained dogs and I'm proud to say I have kept a goldfish alive in a tank for 28 years.That's understanding what an animal needs.An animal needs a person to treat them according to their needs.The only animal who can deal with humans is a cat.

• LainieMcEl | Oct 11, 2011, 09:09 PM EDT

  As an animal lover, I hate to see any animal destroyed. But it is a fact of life...dogs are euthanised every day. They are also tortured, eaten, left to die of starvation and used by inhumane bullies as entertainment in dogfights. But I also know that women and children are starving, and being killed and maimed many war-torn third world countries. All of you animal lovers who lit candles for Lennox, when was the last time you lit a candle for a human being. In Rwanda malnutrition and hunger-related diseases claim 60% of children before their 5th birthday. In Ethiopia many young girls are forced to marry and bear children, many of them under the age of fifteen with a death rate five times higher in childbirth than women in their 20's. I hate to see the kind of frenzy and hate that has been unleashed in these blogs because it is such a waste of time, energy and lack of kindness that this world needs so much. We will probably never know the real truth behind the incident with Lennox, because when the media, self-promoting politicians, and the publics opinions get involved, facts go out the window. Now all we can do is hope and pray some calm, unbiased, just person takes the time to find out the real truth. Mother Teresa wrote- "The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you've have and it may never be enough; but give the world the best you have anyway. You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."

• Sarah99 | Oct 11, 2011, 06:05 PM EDT

  I must say sir, it's been a while since I've had a debate that made my blood boil, so bravo to you for that. Let's agree to disagree and I bid you a good night.

• Sarah99 | Oct 11, 2011, 05:51 PM EDT

  Sirpeter, if you don't feel comfortable voicing your opinion on the topic then get off the message board. It seems all you do is slam other peoples posts. I won't even get into your comments about my being a woman and by virtue therefore a gossiper as that comment only shows your own ignorance and arrogance. My opinions are based on reading...NEWS ARTICLES. Post some "intelligent and well balanced ideas" and perhaps people would not focus on your spelling.

• sirpeter | Oct 11, 2011, 05:33 PM EDT

  @Sheldonopolis.Best of luck to you too.*waves.;))

• sirpeter | Oct 11, 2011, 05:22 PM EDT

  @Sarah99.You want facts?You're obviously not here long are you?Here are some facts!!YOU KNOW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT THE FACTS OF THIS DOG.YOU ONLY KNOW WHAT YOU READ IN THE PAPERS AND ARTICLES.THAT IS JUST HEARSAY.IT IS NOT FACT.THIS IS WHY I DID NOT COMMENT ON THE DOG BECAUSE ONLY STUPID PEOPLE WILL BELIEVE HEARSAY.I LEAVE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE TRUE FACTS TO MAKE A DECISION ON THE FATE OF THE DOG.IF THIS DOG IS SET FREE BECAUSE OF PUBLIC PRESSURE AND THEN GOES ON TO BITE THE FACE OFF SOMEONE.I WILL NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT.THAT'S INTELLIGENCE.NOW SMARTY PANTS CAN YOU SAY 100% THAT THE DOG IS NOT A DANGER? DID YOU MEET THE DOG IN QUESTION? ARE YOU AN EXPERT IN MAKING DECISIONS OF THIS NATURE? DIDN'T THINK SO!!YOU ARE GIVING A PERSONAL OPINION BASED ON~~~~WAIT FOR IT!!! AGAIN!!! HEARSAY OR GOSSIP!! WHICH BEEN A FEMALE YOU MIGHT RELATE TO THAT WORD BETTER.I put on the caps so you could read it more clearly. *This witness for the dog Lennox is useless!! Your Honour!!

• Sheldonopolis | Oct 11, 2011, 05:15 PM EDT

  @sirpeter - Your previous post said the following "I have never commented on a persons typos on any forum. I like to spend more time putting up an argument then putting my comment through spell check. The dumbest people on the internet are those who comment on spelling and grammar. Why don't you try saying something?" The key words here, "THEN putting my comment through spell check". Thus leading the reader to believe that you DO put your posts through spell check. See how incorrect spelling completely changes the sentiment of what you are trying to say? See how you learn from me? And by the way, if you read my original post, I did say something other than commenting on your poor spelling and I have said nothing about grammar so pease get your facts right. If I want to learn ignorance and arrogance then you'll be the first person I ask, anything else I don't think you'd be my first choice given your attitude. If you don't care about Lennox, then don't read about him, it's that simple. Don't waste other peoples time by posting your narrow minded opinions about people who do care. Assuming people can't care about animals AND people is a little ignorant don't you think? Now, I have better things to do than get into some online discussion with someone I don't know, nor whose opinion do I care about so I bid you good evening and wish you a happy life.

• sirpeter | Oct 11, 2011, 04:50 PM EDT

  @Sheldonopolis.Never put them through spell check.There is not one person here who does not make mistakes in spelling or grammar.It takes me less then one minute to put a comment up on this article.You either get it or you don't.Give me a person with bad spelling and grammar with intelligent and well balanced ideas over a word perfect load of crap any day.You can teach spelling and grammar but you can't teach intelligence.There is a big difference.Academic achievement is not the same thing as intelligence.See how you learn from me? I didn't even use spell check.

• Sarah99 | Oct 11, 2011, 04:30 PM EDT

  Ha! I wish I were psychic...then I could have the next big invention or win the lottery, retire and head home. I’m just saying that this story has reached far and wide and many people care about what happens to this dog, and what it says about society in general. “Little dog” was used as a term of endearment as he is an innocent dog. I know full well that he is a large dog, 80-100 lbs. If you look at the pictures of him with the wardens he is not wearing a muzzle...he is kissing them! Oh, and anyone who still questions who shot JFK needs to brush up on their history since only conspiracy theorists question that one.

• Sarah99 | Oct 11, 2011, 03:19 PM EDT

  I'm not denying that there are problems here too and the way animals are treated needs to be fixed. Maybe the national attention of this case will help the cause of other animals too. P.S. I'm from Dublin, I just happen to be living & working in NYC.

• whatISinAname | Oct 11, 2011, 03:10 PM EDT

  By the way miss animal lover from NYC you want to talk civilized countries. In the USA over 56% of dogs and puppies entering shelters are killed, based on reports from over 1,055 facilities across America. (National Counsel on Pet Population Study. An estimated 5 million cats and dogs are killed in shelters each year. That's one about every six and one half seconds. (The Humane Society of the United States) Millions more are abandoned, only to suffer from illness or injury before dying. (Doris Day Animal League. Why don't you clear your own house before casting stones at others.

• Sheldonopolis | Oct 11, 2011, 02:56 PM EDT

  @sirpeter well you didn't put that one through spell check did you :)

• whatISinAname | Oct 11, 2011, 02:48 PM EDT

  Yea he did not bit them because it is hard to sink you teeth in when your wearing a muzzle...

• whatISinAname | Oct 11, 2011, 02:47 PM EDT

  Now we have the psychics from NYC telling us what happened as if they were there. Maybe you can let us in if you have the time as to who killed JFK? By he way if you have been following it for so long I would doubt you would refer to Lennox as "this little dog"

• Sarah99 | Oct 11, 2011, 02:24 PM EDT

  As an animal lover, I have been following the case of Lennox the dog quite closely and am quite frankly appalled that something so medieval, small minded and dictatorial could happen in such a “civilized” country as Ireland. Do not underestimate how far this story has reached; I am following it from New York City, U.S.A., where this little dog has won many hearts. From all accounts this dog has never bitten anyone. Perhaps it growled at the dog wardens (strangers) who came to his home, but he did not bit them. His actions were nothing more than those of a loving dog protecting his family from a perceived threat. If these people cannot fully understand and interpret dog behavior, than perhaps they should be in a different line of work. The article by animal expert Victoria Stillwell gives a thorough evaluation of Lennox’ behavior and dog behavior in general and brings up many points to be considered in evaluating Lennox’ case. I’ve seen pictures of poor Lennox in the pound being petted by, and giving kisses to, these same dog wardens who claim to be scared of him because he is allegedly dangerous and aggressive. If they truly believe that he could do them harm, then why on earth would they allow him to be un-muzzled in their presence, cuddle with him, stroke his head and let him give them kisses? This is a gross miscarriage of justice. Even going on the premise that he has been sentenced to death simply because his very existence violates dog ordinances is a farce, as an American Bulldog/Labrador mix is a far cry from a Pit Bull. Putting this dog to sleep simply because he exists and looks a little different than say, a poodle is a complete and utter disgrace. If you put this innocent dog to sleep, I can honestly say that I will be ashamed to be Irish. The eyes of the world are upon you, please do the right thing and let this poor dog return to his family.

• Sarah99 | Oct 11, 2011, 02:22 PM EDT

  @ Sirpeter. It is no mark of intelligence sir, to simply slap up an ill informed and misspelled response, but rather a sign of a lazy mind. It is far better to check your facts and your spelling when presenting an argument, getting your reply in fast does not make it best. True, there are starving people in the world, and many other issues, but this is not the forum for that discussion. You are commenting on an article about a dog, if you are not concerned about said dog, then do not waste everyone’s time by commenting on the article. As to import, this is a dog whose only crime is the way he looks, and he is being put to death for simply that. This is a booming, and freighting statement on society. It is a sign of a petty thinker to assume that because one cares about animals and the injustices imposed upon them that they cannot also care about other issues. In point of fact, those that care for animals show more compassion for their fellow man than those who do not; they donate more to charities in both money and time. Speaking of caring for those less fortunate, have you met these suffering, dying people in person? Have you actively given of your time to solve their plight? It is oft times the ones who shout the loudest for others to “do something” that do the least themselves. I have no more time to deal with your petty drivel as there are more important issues in the world than your personal opinion.

• gaypizzaman | Oct 11, 2011, 02:15 PM EDT

  So no one should try to help this family because there are people starving elsewhere in the world? That's ridiculous. People have come together on this case because, among other things, it's a tragedy that could have been easily rectified--and one that was easily prevented. The dog laws in Northern Ireland are insane. Dog wardens literally have the authority to break down people's doors and drag their dogs away without recourse if one of the (already proven shady) public officials thinks it looks a little too much like a dog they once heard about on the news. People are outraged not because it's more important than people starving in Africa, but because it's a smaller, more accessible example of the cruelty of humanity both towards animals and each other.

• sirpeter | Oct 11, 2011, 01:41 PM EDT

  @Sheldonopolis.I have never commented on a persons typos on any forum.I like to spend more time putting up an argument then putting my comment through spell check.The dumbest people on the internet are those who comment on spelling and grammar.Why don't you try saying something?

• Sarah99 | Oct 11, 2011, 01:39 PM EDT

  To the Belfast City Council: As an animal lover, I have been following the case of Lennox the dog quite closely and am quite frankly appalled that something so medieval, small minded and dictatorial could happen in such a “civilized” country as Ireland. Do not underestimate how far this story has reached; I am following it from New York City, U.S.A., where this little dog has won many hearts. From all accounts this dog has never bitten anyone. Perhaps it growled at the dog wardens (strangers) who came to his home, but he did not bit them. His actions were nothing more than those of a loving dog protecting his family from a perceived threat. If these people cannot fully understand and interpret dog behavior, than perhaps they should be in a different line of work. The article by animal expert Victoria Stillwell gives a thorough evaluation of Lennox’ behavior and dog behavior in general and brings up many points to be considered in evaluating Lennox’ case. I’ve seen pictures of poor Lennox in the pound being petted by, and giving kisses to, these same dog wardens who claim to be scared of him because he is allegedly dangerous and aggressive. If they truly believe that he could do them harm, then why on earth would they allow him to be un-muzzled in their presence, cuddle with him, stroke his head and let him give them kisses? This is a gross miscarriage of justice. Even going on the premise that he has been sentenced to death simply because his very existence violates dog ordinances is a farce, as an American Bulldog/Labrador mix is a far cry from a Pit Bull. Putting this dog to sleep simply because he exists and looks a little different than say, a poodle is a complete and utter disgrace. If you put this innocent dog to sleep, I can honestly say that I will be ashamed to be Irish. The eyes of the world are upon you, please do the right thing and let this poor dog return to his family.

• sirpeter | Oct 11, 2011, 01:31 PM EDT

  @whatISinAname.I would ignore them.But I'm writing comments to stamp out their own self importance and feelings.Hang on!! Where did I get that piece of wisdom.Oh! it was you!! haha.I kinda said something like that below too.

• sirpeter | Oct 11, 2011, 01:21 PM EDT

  @difranco77.I have typed a few comments in other articles in relation to this dog.You might learn something if you read them.When you make a comment like Quote"WAKE UP IRELAND the world is watching!!Unquote.It tells me YOU have little sense of reality.Here is a FACT for you.33% of the world is starving.FOUR MILLION people starve to death every year!!You say!!People should call their officials, have protests,write letters,share this story to everyone you can AND how can anybody sleep with this injustice.If the dog is saved you will be able to sleep then will you?You need to spend some time watching innocent PEOPLE die of disease and starvation and you won't be to concerned for doggy Lennox after experiencing the agony of death PEOPLE go through.No!!You're comment is not about justice or compassion.It's about calming YOUR OWN emotions about the loss of an animal while ignoring important issues.I have known plenty dog owners who give more time to their dog and treat them better then they do their own children.People who save peoples life's and want real justice don't have time to write and spend time campaigning to save what is probably an aggressive animal according to the experts who decide these things.Walk around the poorer parts of your community and open your eyes or why don't you write to McDonnell's about your so called "BEINGS" that you stuff your face with year in year out.Do something more useful ya hippy!!

• whatISinAname | Oct 11, 2011, 01:18 PM EDT

  see sirpeter... just read quincygirl and all the dribble...

• whatISinAname | Oct 11, 2011, 01:15 PM EDT

  sirpeter, ignore them. Every blog on the save Lennox campaign only knows how to attack the character of people. They talk like authorities on the subject and present their case in the "I was there mentality". Why? Because they can not think outside the box of what they are being told by the "hearsay is evidence " websites. All they have for evidence is their own self importance and feelings.

• quincygirl | Oct 11, 2011, 01:13 PM EDT

  HEY whatsinaname person did you read Victoria Stillwell article about Lennox? have you ever seen a dog jump on a visitor when they come in your house? as for warden being oh so scared of Lennox, why don't you tell us about the photo's of her and Lennox. Also, didn't anyone ever tell you not to corner an animal? Belfast Council does not want to admit they made an error. They would lose face. One more thing, if you believe all that crap that you just spewed out, maybe someone should come and measure you, throw you in a prison for a year and a half then do an evaluation on you.. You, my Irish friend are a dumb ass and need to get your facts straight

• Sheldonopolis | Oct 11, 2011, 12:54 PM EDT

  @ sirpeter thanks for assuming that we can't care about more than one thing. The reasons people are starving are many and very complicated one of which being that there are far too many people for this one planet to support. Plus I believe you may mean "dying" and not dieing. Maybe your thin argument would have a little more weight to it if you could spell. Aside from all that there is a more important point here than just a dogs life as important as that is. The legal system is under scrutiny here as well. A dog warden has commited perjury. By ignoring this it sends a message that it's ok to lie during legal prodeedings and sets a frankly worrying precedent. Lennox has done nothing wrong. Lennox has been seized purely because of what he looks like, BSL is racism for dogs.

• eve9tmp | Oct 11, 2011, 12:52 PM EDT

  Just let this beautiful boy go home. This is the true face of BSL, bureaucracy gone mad. He has done NOTHING wrong. To murder him, and murder it would be, because of how he looks is pointless and beyond cruel. Out there is a little girl who just wants her best friend to come home, so why don't you let him eh? Come on BCC do the RIGHT thing and free Lennox now!!

• sirpeter | Oct 11, 2011, 12:15 PM EDT

  @whatISinAname.At least you are putting things in perspective.

• whatISinAname | Oct 11, 2011, 12:02 PM EDT

  Here we go again. This dog has had more reviews of its sentence than a death row inmate in the USA gets. Again, if you want to believe the "save Lennox" campaign then you would have to believe that the Judge, Dog Warden and police dog trainer were all in a conspiracy against Lennox. You would have to believe that the dog warden was not threatened at the first meeting and you would have to ignore the dog owners own words to the judge about anxiety issues the dog has regarding new people and the medication the dog took. But lets ignore all of this and the professionals we pay to enforce the law and lets look at the little baby pictures of cute Lennox and believe all the propaganda of the web because dogs are people too aren't they? Lets team up and harass the other dog wardens in the city like has been done and lets not forget about the children of the dog wardens, after all people are not as important as doggies. Wrong or right, the supporters of Lennox and their owners have lied, mislead and basically ignored the evidence in this case. But again lets ignore that because I know what is best because I have feelings for a baby photo of Lennox.

• boxerdog | Oct 11, 2011, 11:42 AM EDT

  I have seen how calm dogs can be until they are approached in an aggressive manner by animal control. This dog should be allowed to live-Lennox has done nothing to deserve death. People who are "in charge" of animals often have no idea about how to handle them and I have seen MANY who work at animal control here in San Diego California who are either prejudiced against certain breeds or who are simply afraid of certain breeds...they should be FIRED and the dogs should LIVE! To be judged on how a dog looks is so stupid as to deserve ridicule worldwide.

• difranco77 | Oct 11, 2011, 10:41 AM EDT

  Sir Peter, if you don't care about the injustice and mistreatment of one being, how can you complain about the plights of others? I can tell you that i for one care about the issues you spoke of, however THIS particular article is about something different. A dog who has been taken away from its family, a dog who did nothing wrong and has been taken away simply because of its looks. Is now shoved into a small windowless space aka a jail cell and is going to be put down. Perhaps it is YOU sirpeter who needs to re evaluate your priorities in life? If you can't feel compassion for a family and their deep love for a pet, then how can you say you have compassion for anything else? Usually people who care about others don't pick and chose on what is the most important issues, its about fixing all of them. Perhaps you would eat your dog, but most of us wouldn't eat a member of the family. Unless you see other family members as potential meals in times of crisis? Hmmmm perhaps i'm writing to a mad man after all. WAKE UP IRELAND the world is watching!! If you live in Ireland you must do all possible to help stop this!!! It is horrible and will reflect very poorly on your nation!!!Call your officials, have protests, write letters, share this story to everyone you can. How can we sleep at night knowing this kind of horrible in justice has taken place? Help this dog and probably many more in the future. This judge and district may think twice before discriminating against a dog for "looks".

• JRofTPM | Oct 11, 2011, 10:15 AM EDT

  Thanks, SirPeter, for assuming we don't care about starvation just because this article isn't about that. I can walk AND chew gum at the same time. Sorry that you won't. And what, SirPeter, are YOU doing about that situation (other than belly aching here that others won't handle it for you)? If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Don't waste your time here, complaining about what concerns other people may have.

• Jakki | Oct 11, 2011, 08:59 AM EDT

  Is there any proof that this dog is aggressive and has bitten or attacked someone? Seems unfair to prejudge an animal based on such little evidence.

• sirpeter | Oct 11, 2011, 08:58 AM EDT

  People starving to death all over the world.It's no wonder billions of people in third world countries have contempt for us rich nations.Our priorities in who should have media attention is totally screwed up.Caroline Barnes would have more to be heart broken about if her stomach was sticking to her back bone and her siblings or parents were dieing.The family wouldn't see Lennox as a pet then but as a tasty meal.There is only so much sympathy and so much of this crap I can take.