A Belfast dog has been inundated with birthday wishes from around the world, as his owner waits to hear if a court ruling to put him to sleep will be upheld.

Lennox the dog was seized by Belfast City Council dog wardens in May 2010, due to his likeness to the banned pit-bull breed. His owner Caroline Barnes claims he is a American bull dog labrador cross and insists he is a much loved family pet and best friend of her disabled daughter.

Last October County Court Judge Derek Rodgers upheld a court decision that Lennox should be put to sleep. Barnes has appealed the decision, saying he has never bit anyone.

The decision to terminate the family pet prompted an online Save Lennox campaign, which has generated almost 60,0000  Facebook supporters and almost 127,000 signatures of support.

As a way to mark his birthday on April 1, Barnes asked supporters of the campaign to send cards to the office of the Lord Mayor of Belfast.

Belfast City Council confirmed to the Belfast Telegraph that it had received a number of cards.

An online statement from the dog’s owners said: “Just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the wonderful, beautiful, supportive and very creative messages and artwork received over the past few days.

“Really means a lot and it has touched our family very much. Thank you all.”

The next hearing in the appeal case has been listed for mention on April 20 and for hearing on May 24.