Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson has stepped out in support of the longstanding ‘Save Lennox’ efforts, but admits that his position as a politician does not grant him power to intervene with the case.
UTV reports that the First Minister took to Twitter to respond to the thousands who had called upon him to intervene in the case. Save Lennox efforts began in 2010 when a pit bull-type dog was impounded and ordered to be destroyed.
Lennox’s owner Caroline Barnes has since engaged in legal battle in order to have the decision overturned, but the rulings have yet to go in her favor. Her lawyers have argued that Lennox has never harmed anyone, and should not be deemed a threat.
Tuesday’s appeal was Barnes’ final chance to save Lennox, but Lord Justice Girvan agreed with the County Court judge's ruling that the dog could not be made safe and must be destroyed.
Thousands of supporters worldwide have called for the decision to be overturned and have taken to signing petitions, including one that sought to boycott Belfast. DUP leader Peter Robinson was also “inundated” with requests to help save Lennox.
Under the Twitter handle @DUPLeader, Peter Robinson shared his thoughts about the case.
“#savelennox As a dog lover I am very unhappy with the outcome of this case. I was involved in a similar case before in Castlereagh.”
"In the Castlereagh case, we succeeded in stopping it going to court. As soon as it does, it is out of the hands of politicians."
"We are bound by the principle of the separation of powers. Politicians have no power to interfere with decisions of the courts."
"It's not a political view. It's a legal fact."
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.cara | Jul 06, 2012, 11:21 PM EDT
I don't understand, the minister says that once the matter went to court it was a matter of the law, and that the politicians could not longer intervene, but is it not the politicians making the laws and who have control over those laws?
Lunamoth1917 | Jun 20, 2012, 11:29 PM EDT
I have not forgotten.. Save Lennox. The World needs a Happy Ending..
Fayclis | Jun 20, 2012, 02:13 PM EDT
Lennox was NEVER a threat to BEGIN with it just happened this short haired medium sized MUTT was born with SHORT hair and a broad snout. Lennox WAS and IS a FAMILY dog PERIOD. The judge should have LOOKED at ALL the studies down worldwide SHOWING these dogs to NOT be any more "dangerous" than ANY other dog INCLUDING Golden Retrievers! We can THANK the MEDIA for this situation AND of course those politians who do NOT do homework but CATER to media's fear-mongroling for cheap and ill-informed hits. THE madness of KILLING dogs based on APPEARANCE must end.
Lunamoth1917 | Jun 18, 2012, 10:49 PM EDT
I am still saying FREE LENNOX!! I have not forgotten her.. And will continue to post it to facebook. And as far as aggressive dog's I have seen chihuahua's leave a pretty good nick on the ankle.. And yes their have been attacks by dogs.. I believe the owners should be held liable. But this Dog Lennox has NEVER ATTACKED ANYONE OR ANY OTHER ANIMAL. And people who believe all Pittbull's are agressive are ignorant. I have owned several and NOT ONE have attacked ANYONE.. Do you have to be a responsible Pittbull owner.. YES YOU DO and THEY WERE!! AND LENNOX NEEDS TO GO HOME TO HER FAMILY. This is a Farce...
Gil-Ann | Jun 18, 2012, 07:26 PM EDT
For those that have nothing good to say about Lennox you are probably in on this corrupt, vile and cruel torture. There are millions more of us than you so go somewhere else to vent. You are not welcome here. Go now....hurry....scram...go....good riddance....woof, bark!
Trish541 | Jun 18, 2012, 03:38 PM EDT
Lennox doesn't have just thousands of supporters round the world, he has 10's of thousands! It is just SO outrageous that they could seize a beloved family pet & therapy dog out of COMPLETE IGNORANCE! Lennox is a gentle loving dog, who never did anything wrong or aggressive. I'm ashamed to be Irish!
RedBranch | Jun 18, 2012, 01:02 PM EDT
might the dog be named for Lennox Lewis? Wasn't he a boxer and a bit of a bruiser both in the ring and out. If so why wasn't he called by some more 'family friendly' name which reflected his non aggressive pedigree?
rosemary landry | Jun 18, 2012, 08:46 AM EDT
Curitiba, you obviously have never had contact with a loving, gentle dog that would protect you with his or her life. You sound like a very ill informed person who knows nothing about dogs. Despite what you think, it is the owner, not the dog, that causes the problem.
Nicki | Jun 17, 2012, 12:01 AM EDT
Please will you listen to the professionals. If not listen to me - My name is Nicki Platt I have fostered over 40 dogs in Lennox's situation. Please give me an opportunity to help or foster him for his family. Please read about me on www.BarkBusters.co.uk ( Merseyside ) Let me help and don't let ignorance KILL
Gil-Ann | Jun 16, 2012, 03:07 PM EDT
CIARADEXY............SHUT THE F UP. GET OFF THIS THREAD. IT'S OBVIOUS YOU ARE A VILE, EVIL AND CRUEL PERSON AND PROBABLY ARE IN ON THIS EVIL - IGNORANCE AT IT'S FINEST. WATCH WHO YOU ARE TALKING TO....IT'S OBVIOUS YOU HAVE NO CONCERN FOR THIS SWEET DOG OR THE FAMILY. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE TO VENT YOUR ANGER. YOU ARE A VERY WEE PERSON! LENNOX SUPPORTERS DON'T WANT YOU HERE SO GET OFF AND GOOD RIDDANCE...CATCH MY DRIFT MATE? WOOF
anna musco | Jun 16, 2012, 01:31 PM EDT
TO ALL THE READERS OF THIS SITE AND/OR LENNOX SUPPORTERS !!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE READ MY PREVOUS MESSAGE !!!!!!!!!! The solution I suggested IS NOT A.... SENTIMENTAL PATETIC SOLUTION BUT....A LEGAL ONE (I am a lawyer and I think that there is no other way to get out of the trouble). THE ONLY LAWFUL, POSSIBLE ONE TO APPEAL FOR SAVE THE LIFE OF DOG. I live in Florence, Italy; it means so far from Belfast. But, if someone - a lawyer, if is possible - can help me on submit my request to the attention of Prime Minister Peter Robinson (or some other legal authority) probably we can solve the problem in behalf of the poor, innocent dog. WRITE ME, PLEASE, so we can organize the right way for going on lawfully. This is my email: anna.musco@alice.it. I remaim waiting for your support. ANNA NUSCO
Curitiba | Jun 16, 2012, 09:01 AM EDT
jeanette06: this is the central problem, this attitude that "oh, it's not the dog's fault, it's the owner". Well I agree, dog are animals, they don't have morals, only instincts. No matter what the training they recieve, and especially if they are a breed fighting dog, they are going to respond to some stimulus that sets them off. Lately, that stimulus has been in the form of a child minding their own business. A few months ago on had her jaw ripped off by one of these beasts, another had an eye ripped out, and STILL people think there is no reason to ban these animals. They are as dangerous as a hand grenade. You can say "oh certain people shouldn't own these dogs" but it doesn't matter who owns them, these dogs were bred for a purpose and that is as fighting or attack dogs, therefore they are not suitable as pets. They're not fluffy hamsters.
ciaradexy | Jun 16, 2012, 08:51 AM EDT
Gil, everytime you put CAPS LOCK ON YOU ARE SHOUTING!!! SHUT UP WOMAN!
jeanette06 | Jun 16, 2012, 06:32 AM EDT
Curitiba....England sounds disgusting! Maybe the PEOPLE, THE HUMANS should take responsibility for cleaning up the dog poo THEIR DOGS make. Again, humans trying to blame the animal for the mess! It is not the animals fault here! Who is the higher intelligence? Sounds to me like the humans are SUPPOSED to be. When will humans take responsibility for their actions? In America there are leash laws, criminal laws, and the people of America don't put up with criminals trying to take over our streets. We don't put up with thugs trying to rule. Does England have police? Maybe they should start doing their jobs and take care of the thug situation. Humans make animals mean not the other way around. As for Lennox, he did nothing wrong (like most animals). It is Belfast who is in the wrong here and they are so stuck on "stick up their arsses" they don't want people to know they messed up so they are sticking by their lies no matter what. That in itself is disgusting and all involved should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Gil-Ann | Jun 15, 2012, 09:47 PM EDT
Ciaradexy no one is shouting except you. Everybody else, including myself, is trying to help. Perhaps you should read comments more clearly before making ignorant replies.
MissMacRoss | Jun 15, 2012, 09:25 PM EDT
Sorry --- .... and so to share the blessings of Thy mercy.
MissMacRoss | Jun 15, 2012, 09:23 PM EDT
Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends, the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the mercy. "A Prayer for Animals" by Dr. Albert Schweitzer
ciaradexy | Jun 15, 2012, 08:21 PM EDT
Gil-Ann, shut up! Yeah we'll send the dog to the US. We'll put him in quarantine for 6 months, great idea. Give it a rest. this site has no bearing on the outcome so stop shouting. If Lennox wears a muzzle when he is outside then whats the problem? There are plenty of tools on this site who should be muzzled AND neutered while we are at it.
Gil-Ann | Jun 15, 2012, 05:57 PM EDT
........A N D.......L E N N O X........I S.....N O T....... ......A....P I T B U L L...................!!!!!! D N A.... .....T E S T.......P R O V E D.........T H I S.......H E... ........I S......A........T H E R A P Y......D O G........!
Gil-Ann | Jun 15, 2012, 05:39 PM EDT
L E N N O X ..... I S.....N O T.....A.....P I T B U L L.....! What on God's Green Earth are you doing? Let this boy go!!!!!! This is horrible. He never did anything wrong. Just let him GO! We can bring him to the USA until the family can be reunited if they would like. PLEASE DO NOT KILL THIS DOG. MILLIONS OF ANIMAL LOVERS ETC. ALL OVER THE WORLD KNOW ABOUT THIS STORY AND ARE IN DISBELIEF. Somebody, somewhere in this world can do something. I am praying for GOD to please intervene. God sees the wrong in this. I am a christian and I see evil in what you are doing and so does God. Please God help them to please set this boy free. This dog has done nothing wrong but suffered for the past 2 years for nothing. I will do whatever it takes to save his life. I am a devout animal rescuer, love animals and will book a flight and bring Lennox over to the States. Victoria Stilwell has offered to take him, The Cesar Milan Foundation is trying to help, also 'The Barbi Twins', Linda Blair (actress) and many many more. HE IS A GOOD BOY! PLEASE MAKE A WRONG A RIGHT AND LET HIM GO. This is so prejudice. My Great Grandparents came over to the USA on the boat many years ago. My Great Grandfather was the only Veterinarian in my town back then. He would be rolling over in his grave to see this going on.
Gil-Ann | Jun 15, 2012, 05:35 PM EDT
L E N N O X ..... I S.....N O T.....A.....P I T B U L L.....! He is a calm, sweet boy that was taken from his family for doing all the right things. Lennox abuse started when he was taken. Look at before and after photos. SAVE LENNOX NOW! WE WILL NEVER, EVER GIVE UP THIS FIGHT EVER.
Curitiba | Jun 15, 2012, 05:07 PM EDT
continued/...dogs. One of the main hazards of living in England is that the streets are absolutely covered in dog poo and you come home looking like you are wearing platform shoes because of it. The other, even more concerning thing is that the streets are filled with hooded youths with these slavering beasts walking round with these animals on a chain, intimidating mothers walking by with their children. Often, these feckless owners just get bored and turn the dogs loose on the street and you can imagine the results of that. The sole purpose of owning these pitbulls it seems to me is to send out a message to ordinary folk about how dangerous and intimidating the owner is. These dogs should be kept for military purposes only. They are no more pets than a lion or a bear would be.
SANDY028601 | Jun 15, 2012, 05:06 PM EDT
Good day Ireland! HI my name is Sandy Lovejoy, I'm from the USA, And I've been reading about Poor Lennox.and the way the judge is handing the ruling to have him or her destroy. in here in the US this breed have been train for dog fighting purposes for this reason in many states have banned the breed itself, and is considered a dangerous dog.but however, they are often abused ignored or let them just plain stave to death and they become vicious by these owners we have a saying we do not have bad dogs just bad owners, who refused to take care of them Im sorry im getting carried away, to the judge who is haning the ruling, think about this what if someone said to you your dog bit them? you would be like not my dog. right think aboyt lennoxs family. they need their dog back for there daughter you may think this a easy thing to put a dog to death because its a pitbull it doesnt make you a hero. i am a animal lover and own 5 dogs and a cat and I love my pets, thanks
Curitiba | Jun 15, 2012, 04:56 PM EDT
In the US, you have the gun lobby. Any suggestions of gun control arouses a lot of oppositions from gun "enthusiasts" who want to be able to pop into the local supermarket, armed to the teeth, because it's your constitutional right. This is something people in the island of Britain find absolutely mental. Equally mental is the dog lobby here in the UK. The dog lobby was tolerable when dog owners had dogs like border collies, etc. But now everyone has a pit bull or a staffy and almost daily it is reported in the newspapers about how yet another staffordshire bull terrier who wouldn't hurt a fly has maimed yet another child. Recently we had an incident where one of these dreadful animals maimed 5 policemen who were taking part in a raid on a drug dealers house. But the dog lobby couldn't care less about maimed children or policemen, they only care about the dog. The point I'm trying to make is that suggesting thsat these dogs be banned is like telling Americans that guns should be banned-it makes sense to everybody else except the Americans in the case of guns and the British in the case of
aloistmartin | Jun 15, 2012, 04:52 PM EDT
The Dog Is Man`s Oldest Friend. So much so, that in many parts of the World Men will raise and eat Dog`s as Food.(?) But something of our Faithful Old Friend, is still a roving Pack Predator :) The Citizen`s of God`s City(Manhattan, Saint Augustine, The Watchtower Society, Oceania, take your pick) should show more civility, when confronted with the inconvenience of Nature`s Calling, than say, an Angry Posse of blood crazed Montana Ranchers ~
Gil-Ann | Jun 15, 2012, 04:12 PM EDT
What on God's Green Earth are you doing? Let this boy go!!!!!! This is horrible. He never did anything wrong. Just let him GO! We can bring him to the USA until the family can be reunited if they would like. PLEASE DO NOT KILL THIS DOG. MILLIONS OF ANIMAL LOVERS ETC. ALL OVER THE WORLD KNOW ABOUT THIS STORY AND ARE IN DISBELIEF. Somebody, somewhere in this world can do something. I am praying for GOD to please intervene. God sees the wrong in this. I am a christian and I see evil in what you are doing and so does God. Please God help them to please set this boy free. This dog has done nothing wrong but suffered for the past 2 years for nothing. I will do whatever it takes to save his life. I am a devout animal rescuer, love animals and will book a flight and bring Lennox over to the States. Victoria Stilwell has offered to take him, The Cesar Milan Foundation is trying to help, also 'The Barbi Twins', Linda Blair (actress) and many many more. HE IS A GOOD BOY! PLEASE MAKE A WRONG A RIGHT AND LET HIM GO. This is so prejudice. My Great Grandparents came over to the USA on the boat many years ago. My Great Grandfather was the only Veterinarian in my town back then. He would be rolling over in his grave to see this going on.
reiven west | Jun 15, 2012, 03:16 PM EDT
First- Lennox is not a "pit-bull type" dog- he's an American bulldog/Labrador cross. Second- Lennox has never been dangerous. He has never bitten anyone or had any problems with his neighbors. Third- He was an unofficial therapy dog for Mrs. Barnes ten year old disabled daughter. These are a few of the reasons so many people are fighting for Lennox. He is an innocent friendly pet who was taken Gestapo style from his family. Mrs. Barnes has done everything correctly- Lennox was up to date on his shots and papers and had never had a complaint against him. As for his not being safe- there are pictures online of him licking the dog wardens face. He is showing love to those who want to murder him. The reporting on this article in biased and lacking facts- very very poor journalism. Are all your articles so poorly written? If you get more than one side of a story you will be more respectable and less laughable. There is more at stake here than the life of one dog and the broken hearts of many people- especially the Barnes'. The UK, like the USA is supposed to be a free country, but when the "authorities" can walk into your house and rip law abiding family members from each other there is something seriously wrong. Today it's "pit-bull type" dogs, what will it be tomorrow? Retarded children? The physically handicapped? Or those who speak out against the current regime? Wait, that only happened in fascist countries! Wake up UK, USA and all other "free" countries- BSL is everywhere and if we don't stop this fascist behavior from our governments it will only get worse. Free Lennox! Free Yourself!
anna musco | Jun 15, 2012, 11:43 AM EDT
My name is ANNA MUSCO, living in Florence, Italy. I'm an Italian lawyer, working in this field from almost 50 years. I saw many sentences in my life, but this one is, probably, the worse and the most absurd and foolish I never read. Anyway, I sent to the High Court and to the highest Public Irish Administrators a request which can solve both the faces of the problem ,because of the possibility to conjugate, legally, the respect of the law and the dog life safety. Well, going on this way, I asked the Autorithies for adopting the dog and bringing it in Italy. Appealing to clemency (this procedure is in progress in any Country whose political, legal and social organization is based on English Law Sistem -NO MATTER ABOUT DIVISION OF POWERS-), it's possible ask for a change of penalty.In this case the COURT - or, in my opinion, LEGALLY, RIGHTLY AND WITHOUT PROBLEMS- the PRIME MINISTER PETER ROBINSON CAN DO THAT , UNDER CONDITION OF THE EXTRADITION OF THE DOG OUT OF IRELAND. Please, make attention, IT'S THE ONLY - AND SIMPLE - WAY FOR SOLVING LAWFULLY THE QUESTION. I sent the above said requests, as I wrote before, 3 days ago and I'm waiting, hopeful, for the answer. I ask this newspaper for supporting the same as much as possible, drawing attention of Minister Robinson on it. SHOULD HE WANT TO DO SOMETING, HE DOES IT !!!! ANNA MUSCO