i’m not sure (which is unusual for me) so i’m guessing maybe…marmot? though…if a marmot is the same thing as a groundhog, then i disqualify myself (clearly i need to googs marmots)
This is TOTALLY O/T but VERY important: PLEASE TAKE ACTION!!!!
URGENT- TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! Save And Release Lennox: petition, sample letter
last ditch effort to Save Lennox! Please bombard EVERYONE YOU KNOW…..Lennox Does Not Have Much Time Left! We Truly Need A MIRACLE!!!
Save And Release Lennox: petition, sample letters, below,
for Lennox, an innocent dog condemned to death by a judge in Belfast IR last week because it was decided that he ressembled a pit-bull…The BSL in the UK and Ireland allows them to kill an animal just because he might be a danger, even though this particular dog has never done anything to harm anyone. This is murder, unjust and reprehensible.
New post on Our Compass
Save And Release Lennox: petition, sample letters, email addresses in blocks, below!
by Stacey
Imange | Save Lennox (Law) site
Everyone: Please click on and sign Save And Release Lennox and send Sample Letter below
UK Friends: Email your MP and ask them to support Lennox’s case. Ask them to support legislative reform to the Dangerous Dogs Act, with new measures focused on responsible ownership and a ‘deed not breed’ approach. Also sign the petition to to end Breed Specific Legislation.
Background | From SaveLennox.com.uk
Hi, I’m a 6 year old American Bull dog Labrador cross and Belfast City Council want to put me to death because of how I look, I have never done any wrong. Please can you help me? I want to go home!
On the 19th May 2010, Lennox, a now six year old American Bull dog Labrador cross was wrongfully seized by Belfast City Council Dog Wardens from his loving family home where he lives with his owners and his kennel mates. Lennox committed no crime nor did any member of the public complain about him. Three Belfast City Council Dog Wardens came with the PSNI to his home unannounced. The Dog Wardens then told the Police to leave as there was no need for them at the location. The Belfast City Council Dog Wardens then had tea with his owners, smoked cigarettes, chatted, played with the other family dogs after which the Dog Wardens then measured Lennox’s muzzle and rear legs with a dress maker’s tape measure and decided on those measurements without seeking any professional advice that he was possible “Pit Bull Type Breed” and so he was led from his home to be put to death by the Council. Northern Ireland has yet to fully implement the same dog legislation as mainland UK; if Northern Ireland were to complete the dog legislation here then Lennox could now be at home with his family and they would not now be facing legal prosecution. The USPCA said the law in Northern Ireland could be changed simply and rather quickly by an order in Council.
Lennox’s family have done more than required by the law as responsible dog owners who also foster dogs for various Northern Ireland dog shelters. When Lennox was a puppy his owners had him neutered, licensed, insured, DNA registered, Pet Safe registered and micro chipped and although the Belfast City Council have issued a dog licence for Lennox for the last five years and continue to do so today, the Council now find the need to class him as a Pit Bull type dog and murder him. On the day Lennox was ripped from his family home the Belfast City Council issued his owner with a warrant of seizure which was incorrectly addressed and was for another location, furthermore the Council used the ADBA Inc (American Dog Breeders Association Incorporated) breed standards guide to help identify Lennox as possible Pit Bull type. It has now become clear that the Council used this ADBA breed standards guide illegally breaking international and Berne copyright laws as Belfast City Council have never been authorised by the ADBA to use the copyrighted breed standards guide in full or derived version. Since Lennox’s seizure the ADBA have issued the Belfast City Council with ‘Cease & Desist’ orders due to the Council’s unauthorised continued use of ADBA material.
Lennox’s owners have only been contacted once by the Belfast City Council and this was two hours after Lennox had been taken. One of the Dog Wardens who seized Lennox telephoned Lennox’s owner to say “If you do not sign him over to us to be destroyed then you will most certainly lose your job as we will force a prosecution upon you through the courts.” On many attempts the family have telephoned the Council’s Dog Control Manager but to date the Manager has never taken the families call or returned any calls. Lennox’s family have never been told where he is being kept, what condition he is in, what type of care, feeding or regular exercise he receives, if any. Lennox’s family have repeatedly requested visitation to see what condition he is in however the Dog Control Manager for Belfast City Council Dog Wardens Department has continually refused all requests through the families Solicitor. Photographs of Lennox have emerged recently and have been passed to the family which clearly show Lennox in a cold inhumane concrete kennel which is visibly too small, there are no visible signs of a constant fresh water supply, heating, toys for stimulation and the photographs show Lennox sitting upright in a box type bed surrounded by his own faeces with only saw dust for bedding which many dog experts have agreed is harmful to dogs and unsuitable for bedding, yet Belfast City Council Dog Wardens Department have stated they practice humane animal welfare as set out by the DARD (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development). After studying the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it is clear that none of Lennox’s welfare needs are being met at this undisclosed Council contracted kennel.
Local leading MP’s joined in support of Lennox stating in the Belfast Telegraph and other media they were “Appalled” by the seizure and treatment of Lennox and his family. A global campaign which boasts hundreds of thousands of supporters and petition signatures has begun in support of Lennox’s freedom. The ADBA Inc, various Animal Rights groups, Animal Welfare organisations, Veterinarians, Dog Breed and Behaviourist Experts have all gave their support for Lennox’s freedom and many supporters who are regular tourists to Northern Ireland have went further to state they will not return to Northern Ireland until Lennox is returned to his home. The most heartfelt plea of all was heard from Brooke, the owners eleven year old Daughter who is registered disabled. Lennox grew up around Brooke and the two became inseparable. Due to Brooke’s illness she is unable to play each day with other children and so found Lennox to always be there as a playmate and someone to be of comfort to her. Since her best friend was taken Brooke has missed much School due to suffering health and unneeded stress caused by missing her dog. Brooke’s specialist Doctor at Belfast Royal Hospital for Sick Children has also expressed growing concern for the child’s separation from her pet.
We ask for your help to Save Lennox, stop his incarceration and stop him from being put to death by Belfast City Council who wrongfully took him. If you have any compassion you will clearly see that far too many wrongs and errors have been made by the Council in the seizure of this much loved family pet and you will help correct a wrong. Please help this little girl become reunited with her best friend.
Do you want to have your say on Lennox? Let your voice be heard by emailing the Belfast City Council, Belfast City Council Dog Wardens, Belfast City Council Dog Control Manager Yolanda Elwood and her superiors.
Whom To Contact
Sample Letter (courtesy Save Lennox)
To Whom It Concerns,
I am absolutely disgusted by the way Lennox and his family have been treated. Lennox, an American Bull dog cross was seized by Sandie of your BCC dog wardens department on the 19th May 2010 from his owner Ms Caroline Barnes at her home in Belfast BT13. You have refused to acknowledge any of her telephone calls regarding her beloved family pet or update her on Lennox’s condition and whereabouts. This poor dog has a loving family and a home, he has done nothing wrong yet you have forcibly removed him and continue to have him locked up in poor conditions.
There are many stray dogs across the UK in kennels hoping to be homed and yet you remove a dog for no reason that actually has a loving, caring home. How can you call yourself fair, caring or civilised to do such a thing? To take away this dog with the aim of destroying it for no more than the fact its muzzle and legs are a certain amount of inches long! You cannot judge a dog by its breed or how it looks no more than you can judge a person by their nationality. Do the only correct and humane thing by returning this dog alive and in the same physical condition as when he was wrongfully seized. Prove you are not the uncaring people that the world is now reading about. I would also be grateful if you do not insult me by sending the standardised email reply that you continually send to everyone as below. I request a non standard reply.
A grave injustice is about to be done! An innocent dog has been condemned to death! Lennox is in prison for a “crime” that has never been committed. Now a judge has condemned him to death because of his supposed breed. Word has traveled the globe about a hideous and unconscionable over-reaching of power, that has been perpetrated on an innocent family and their innocent companion animal, Lennox, a dog who was pulled away from a family that loves him, for no real justification whatsoever. Where is love, compassion and concern for the well-being of the innocent?
The world has weighed in on the injustice and criminality of taking the life of any innocent individual, human or animal. Guilt, judged by appearances, similarities, or possibilities is anathema to civilized societies, unconscionable and immoral. Please set this dog free and return him to his family! http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html The reputation of Northern Ireland, as a place where justice is reliable and fair is at stake.
Thank you for considering my concerns and I beg you to be merciful and just in your decision.
Read more of this post
Stacey | October 4, 2011 at 10:43 am | Categories: Action Alerts, Companion Animals | URL: http://wp.me/pYypJ-4RR
Comment See all comments
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i’ll be completely honest here for you Morgana- your comment was so long i didn’t even read it past the first paragraph. There has to be a better (more effective way) to get this information out than in an enormous comment on a blog post about ‘guess this animal’
I only tell you this because according to the comment time is of the essence here and it seems like this isn’t the most efficient use of that time
so- just my two cents. take it as you will
I just sent emails AGAIN TO THE BCC and ALL BOUNCED!!! They are simply not accepting any and all communications concerning Lennox. I AM OUTRAGED that Belfast gets away with this AGAIN.
Answer time: I saw this photo labeled as “dwarf mongoose”. While nobody guessed dwarf, several of you guessed mongoose which would seem to be the significant part so congratulations. I had no idea what this animal was when I saw the photo so I appreciate that so many of you chimed in with guesses that made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Honestly, I didn’t even know mongooses came in dwarf. Here is the Wiki on the animal:
Bam! I guess i didn’t know mongooses came in dwarf either, i just knew it was a type of mongoose. I wonder how dwarf they are. I’d like to compare them to other mongooses to get an idea
That’s what I came up with AFTER I googled it. I just did a search for mongoose and looked at the images. There’s a good one of a dwarf mongoose and it has the same snout as the one in the picture. The internet can be such a neat tool.
i knew it wasn’t any sort of ground squirrel (and after i guessed marmot (which i NOW know IS a type of ground squirrel) i changed my opionion from rodent to something in the weasel family- too late of course). I knew it wasn’t a muskrat because we had to get one of those out of our egress window last spring (turns out they’re pretty ballsy when cornered)
Sadly I agree with the comment above about “Lennox”. it is way to long. The good news.. I’ve followed the story on Face Book and signed and share. Since Amanda Knox was set free.. maybe there’s hope for “Lennox”
For all of you who chose to comment negatively on Morgana’s last ditch efforts to save Lennox-I sincerely hope you are NEVER affected by BSL. Have a good day and “occasionly” think of the suffering of those whom your spare yourself the sight of. I thought this was a blog for animal lovers and advocates-guess I was immensely wrong.
The blog is what it is. I took the comments as constructive, not intended to reflect on the value of Lennox’s life or any other victims of BSL, but rather about how best to spread the message.
I personally replied to Mogana’s comment about the length of her post because instead of MOTIVATING me to help Lennox, it actually did the opposite- turned me off. If i was championing a cause and my methods were actually having the opposite effect of my intentions, i would sincerely hope that someone would point out that flaw to me so i could change my methods.
So- i’m sorry for you if you feel like my constructive criticism made you think that i don’t care about animals (which is not true and kind of out of left field, since this discussion is taking place on an animal welfare blog), but i’m not sorry i said what i did.
this will be my last comment on this blog as I am taking myself off. I thought this blog was all about animal rights and advocacy, a place where serious actions about animal abuse were taking place. I was wrong in my naivete. I followed every thread about MAS and took action on every situation that arose-emailing, writing letters, telephoning, etc. Have a nice day. I will not write what I really feel as it may offend “such kind hearted people”!
I am not understanding how you feel the blog has changed. It hasn’t strayed from the general themes as far as I can tell. If it’s simply a matter of having your feelings hurt because some people interpreted a comment one way and some another way, that’s the nature of internet discussions and I hope you don’t take it personally. We’re mostly all friends here. Friends who disagree regularly and sometimes strongly, but friends nonetheless. You are welcome to stay if you feel so inclined.
You know, Compassion Fatigue is a real thing in Animal Welfare. Sometimes caring so much and so long for animals that come from horrible situations, and seeing it over and over again can take a toll on the caretakers. it can present itself as hopelessness, burnout, apathy, and depression. Animal Welfare work is important, but it can be overwhelming. It’s important that caretakers take care of themselves so they can keep doing their work with care and compassion.
Some of the ways you can combat Compassion Fatigue (either as an individual, or through support from your ogranization):
Get enough sleep
eat well
do some light exercise
vary the work you do
pray, meditate, relax
pet an animal
learn from your experiences
celebrate accomplishments
laugh, share a happy story
take a break
do something you enjoy
support a team member
The reason i’m saying all this is because the YesBiscuit blog (and this is absolutely NO reflection on you Shirley- i appreciate you, your hard work, and your blog) can be pretty intense- there is a lot of tough stuff on here, all the freaking time, and it seems like an end is never in site
So- i was so happy to see a light hearted blog post with a game about ‘guess this animal’ – what a refreshing break to give everyone a chance to have some fun and take a break!
But then i read Morgana’s comment and more than anything else- it left me feeling EXHAUSTED
i KNOW the battle isn’t over. I’m STILL working at my shelter.
But by you saying that you thought this was a ‘serious’ blog and implying that it’s readers are too ‘kind hearted’ to give a shit about animal abuse not only was offensive and off-base, it tells me that you are not able to show support for those people who are in this WITH YOU, fighting the fight day in and day out.
And that’s a shame. Because you seem like a passionate person, with a lot of fire and motivation.
But it is not fair of you to tear down others who are (more or less) right there along side of you because they needed a freaking break
Well everyone, I do apologize. I often send things to Shirley asking to post, and she invites me to post on the blog. I don;t know how to do it, and when this thing came through for Lennox, I just wanted to share it as fast as possible for HIS sake. Sorry to have offended everyone, and now I will take time off so you all can read shorter posts.
You didn’t offend anyone as far as I could tell. Constructive feedback was offered on how to better assist in the efforts to help Lennox. Please don’t take it personally. Everyone loves you.
You by no means offended me. You did do a very good job with all the information.. that was a lot of work. Thank you for that. Now that you’ve figured it out.. I will be more that glad to help share and post other important events in the future. Please .. keep up the good work.. the animals need people like you. Again.. I’ve been following Lennox’s story. on Face Book
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i wasn’t offended, and my comment to you was because i didn’t want important information to be overlooked just because of how/when it was presented.
I was concerned that posting that info on a ‘fun’ blog post wasn’t hitting the target audience you were aiming for.
So i hope you weren’t hurt by my feedback- it was not my intention
Looks like a groundhog, or could be a marsupial. Don’t really know.
Looks like a baby Badger…I didn’t google it, but now I will since I submitted my answer!
I’m going to say a muskrat. I’ll google it too now since I answered.
um… it’s cute?! :)
i’m not sure (which is unusual for me) so i’m guessing maybe…marmot? though…if a marmot is the same thing as a groundhog, then i disqualify myself (clearly i need to googs marmots)
porcupine
Mongoose!
Mongoose! THAT’S what i wanted!
go you
I’m with Sarah – mongoose!
Im agreeing with Tammy Muskrat??
No clue, but it’s cute.. lovin’ all the answers
Either some type of ground squirrel or a small marmot but I don’t know the species. This is fun!
A mole?
how about a “Vole”… since I can’t tell the size of this creature.
Voles don’t have tails, least of all furry ones. But it was a good guess! Yes, the scale of the photo is what has me scratching my head as well.
I meant to say that voles don’t have long tails (only little stumpy ones).
I have my glasses on..I don’t see a tail.. does it have one? LOL..
opps.. I took my glasses off and saw it’s tail.. duh
I think I found the answer but I can’t say because I Googled it. The suspense is killing me. :-)
Mongoose, most definitely! (I loved my Rikki Tikki Tavi book as a kid!)
we loved the animated movie!
It’s up on YouTube in three parts:
shut the front door!
*squees in excitement*
This is TOTALLY O/T but VERY important: PLEASE TAKE ACTION!!!!
URGENT- TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! Save And Release Lennox: petition, sample letter
last ditch effort to Save Lennox! Please bombard EVERYONE YOU KNOW…..Lennox Does Not Have Much Time Left! We Truly Need A MIRACLE!!!
Save And Release Lennox: petition, sample letters, below,
for Lennox, an innocent dog condemned to death by a judge in Belfast IR last week because it was decided that he ressembled a pit-bull…The BSL in the UK and Ireland allows them to kill an animal just because he might be a danger, even though this particular dog has never done anything to harm anyone. This is murder, unjust and reprehensible.
New post on Our Compass
Save And Release Lennox: petition, sample letters, email addresses in blocks, below!
by Stacey
Imange | Save Lennox (Law) site
Everyone: Please click on and sign Save And Release Lennox and send Sample Letter below
UK Friends: Email your MP and ask them to support Lennox’s case. Ask them to support legislative reform to the Dangerous Dogs Act, with new measures focused on responsible ownership and a ‘deed not breed’ approach. Also sign the petition to to end Breed Specific Legislation.
Background | From SaveLennox.com.uk
Hi, I’m a 6 year old American Bull dog Labrador cross and Belfast City Council want to put me to death because of how I look, I have never done any wrong. Please can you help me? I want to go home!
On the 19th May 2010, Lennox, a now six year old American Bull dog Labrador cross was wrongfully seized by Belfast City Council Dog Wardens from his loving family home where he lives with his owners and his kennel mates. Lennox committed no crime nor did any member of the public complain about him. Three Belfast City Council Dog Wardens came with the PSNI to his home unannounced. The Dog Wardens then told the Police to leave as there was no need for them at the location. The Belfast City Council Dog Wardens then had tea with his owners, smoked cigarettes, chatted, played with the other family dogs after which the Dog Wardens then measured Lennox’s muzzle and rear legs with a dress maker’s tape measure and decided on those measurements without seeking any professional advice that he was possible “Pit Bull Type Breed” and so he was led from his home to be put to death by the Council. Northern Ireland has yet to fully implement the same dog legislation as mainland UK; if Northern Ireland were to complete the dog legislation here then Lennox could now be at home with his family and they would not now be facing legal prosecution. The USPCA said the law in Northern Ireland could be changed simply and rather quickly by an order in Council.
Lennox’s family have done more than required by the law as responsible dog owners who also foster dogs for various Northern Ireland dog shelters. When Lennox was a puppy his owners had him neutered, licensed, insured, DNA registered, Pet Safe registered and micro chipped and although the Belfast City Council have issued a dog licence for Lennox for the last five years and continue to do so today, the Council now find the need to class him as a Pit Bull type dog and murder him. On the day Lennox was ripped from his family home the Belfast City Council issued his owner with a warrant of seizure which was incorrectly addressed and was for another location, furthermore the Council used the ADBA Inc (American Dog Breeders Association Incorporated) breed standards guide to help identify Lennox as possible Pit Bull type. It has now become clear that the Council used this ADBA breed standards guide illegally breaking international and Berne copyright laws as Belfast City Council have never been authorised by the ADBA to use the copyrighted breed standards guide in full or derived version. Since Lennox’s seizure the ADBA have issued the Belfast City Council with ‘Cease & Desist’ orders due to the Council’s unauthorised continued use of ADBA material.
Lennox’s owners have only been contacted once by the Belfast City Council and this was two hours after Lennox had been taken. One of the Dog Wardens who seized Lennox telephoned Lennox’s owner to say “If you do not sign him over to us to be destroyed then you will most certainly lose your job as we will force a prosecution upon you through the courts.” On many attempts the family have telephoned the Council’s Dog Control Manager but to date the Manager has never taken the families call or returned any calls. Lennox’s family have never been told where he is being kept, what condition he is in, what type of care, feeding or regular exercise he receives, if any. Lennox’s family have repeatedly requested visitation to see what condition he is in however the Dog Control Manager for Belfast City Council Dog Wardens Department has continually refused all requests through the families Solicitor. Photographs of Lennox have emerged recently and have been passed to the family which clearly show Lennox in a cold inhumane concrete kennel which is visibly too small, there are no visible signs of a constant fresh water supply, heating, toys for stimulation and the photographs show Lennox sitting upright in a box type bed surrounded by his own faeces with only saw dust for bedding which many dog experts have agreed is harmful to dogs and unsuitable for bedding, yet Belfast City Council Dog Wardens Department have stated they practice humane animal welfare as set out by the DARD (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development). After studying the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it is clear that none of Lennox’s welfare needs are being met at this undisclosed Council contracted kennel.
Local leading MP’s joined in support of Lennox stating in the Belfast Telegraph and other media they were “Appalled” by the seizure and treatment of Lennox and his family. A global campaign which boasts hundreds of thousands of supporters and petition signatures has begun in support of Lennox’s freedom. The ADBA Inc, various Animal Rights groups, Animal Welfare organisations, Veterinarians, Dog Breed and Behaviourist Experts have all gave their support for Lennox’s freedom and many supporters who are regular tourists to Northern Ireland have went further to state they will not return to Northern Ireland until Lennox is returned to his home. The most heartfelt plea of all was heard from Brooke, the owners eleven year old Daughter who is registered disabled. Lennox grew up around Brooke and the two became inseparable. Due to Brooke’s illness she is unable to play each day with other children and so found Lennox to always be there as a playmate and someone to be of comfort to her. Since her best friend was taken Brooke has missed much School due to suffering health and unneeded stress caused by missing her dog. Brooke’s specialist Doctor at Belfast Royal Hospital for Sick Children has also expressed growing concern for the child’s separation from her pet.
We ask for your help to Save Lennox, stop his incarceration and stop him from being put to death by Belfast City Council who wrongfully took him. If you have any compassion you will clearly see that far too many wrongs and errors have been made by the Council in the seizure of this much loved family pet and you will help correct a wrong. Please help this little girl become reunited with her best friend.
Do you want to have your say on Lennox? Let your voice be heard by emailing the Belfast City Council, Belfast City Council Dog Wardens, Belfast City Council Dog Control Manager Yolanda Elwood and her superiors.
Whom To Contact
Sample Letter (courtesy Save Lennox)
To Whom It Concerns,
I am absolutely disgusted by the way Lennox and his family have been treated. Lennox, an American Bull dog cross was seized by Sandie of your BCC dog wardens department on the 19th May 2010 from his owner Ms Caroline Barnes at her home in Belfast BT13. You have refused to acknowledge any of her telephone calls regarding her beloved family pet or update her on Lennox’s condition and whereabouts. This poor dog has a loving family and a home, he has done nothing wrong yet you have forcibly removed him and continue to have him locked up in poor conditions.
There are many stray dogs across the UK in kennels hoping to be homed and yet you remove a dog for no reason that actually has a loving, caring home. How can you call yourself fair, caring or civilised to do such a thing? To take away this dog with the aim of destroying it for no more than the fact its muzzle and legs are a certain amount of inches long! You cannot judge a dog by its breed or how it looks no more than you can judge a person by their nationality. Do the only correct and humane thing by returning this dog alive and in the same physical condition as when he was wrongfully seized. Prove you are not the uncaring people that the world is now reading about. I would also be grateful if you do not insult me by sending the standardised email reply that you continually send to everyone as below. I request a non standard reply.
NAME
Email block
complaints@belfastcity.gov.uk
mcnaneyp@belfastcity.gov.uk
wylies@belfastcity.gov.uk
dogwardens@belfastcity.gov.uk
elwoody@belfastcity.gov.uk
lightfoots@belfastcity.gov.uk
franceyw@belfastcity.gov.uk
animal.welfare@dardni.gov.uk
private.office@dardni.gov.uk
info.office@niassembly.gov.uk
ps.ministers@ofmdfmni.gov.uk
ndodds@dup-belfast.co.uk
nmccausland@dup-belfast.co.uk
uup@uup.org
sfadmin@eircom.net
a.maginness@sdlp.ie
Individual
Belfast City Council Complaints:
complaints@belfastcity.gov.uk
Belfast City Council Chief Executive:
mcnaneyp@belfastcity.gov.uk
Belfast City Council Health & Enviromental Manager:
wylies@belfastcity.gov.uk
Belfast City Council Dog Warden Department:
dogwardens@belfastcity.gov.uk
Belfast City Council Dog Warden Manager:
elwoody@belfastcity.gov.uk
Belfast City Council Dog Warden:
lightfoots@belfastcity.gov.uk
Belfast City Council Dog Warden:
franceyw@belfastcity.gov.uk
– Department Of Agriculture & Rural Development –
Department Of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD)
animal.welfare@dardni.gov.uk
Michelle Gildernew (Minister For DARD)
private.office@dardni.gov.uk
– Number 10 Downing Street –
Prime Ministers Office
primeministersoffice
– Northern Ireland Assembly –
Northern Ireland Assembly
info.office@niassembly.gov.uk
– Northern Ireland First & Deputy First Minister –
First & Deputy First Ministers Office
ps.ministers@ofmdfmni.gov.uk
– Local MP’s For North Belfast –
Nigel Dodds DUP MP North
ndodds@dup-belfast.co.uk
Nelson McCausland DUP MLA North
nmccausland@dup-belfast.co.uk
Fred Cobain UUP MLA North
uup@uup.org
Gerry Kelly Sinn Fein MLA North
sfadmin@eircom.net
Alban Maginness SDLP MLA North
a.maginness@sdlp.ie
=========================================================
Also send to secondary list of International Animal contacts:
eis.webmaster@ofmdfmni.gov.uk, leahurst@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk, leahurst@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk, events@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk, Herdsure.LSLuddington@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk, enquiries@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk, lab.services@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk, oie@oie.int, media@oie.int, iduncan@uoguelph.ca, dmb16@cam.ac.uk, hans.wyss@bvet.admin.ch, tore.hastein@vetinst.no, emma@crowelivestock.co.uk, rr.mideast@oie.int, j.pinto@oie.int, rr.americas@oie.int, a.thiermann@oie.int, n.belev@oie.int, philiplymbery@wspa.org.uk, gretchen.stanton@wto.org, edelange@europarl.eu.int, tjeerdjorna@dierenarts.nl, nicola.britta.holsten@eftasurv.int, bernard.vangoethem@cec.eu.int, Rex.Horgan@cec.eu.int, cornelius.rhein@cec.eu.int, Andrea.Gavinelli@cec.eu.int, cmilburn@ifaw.org, ntrent@hsihsus.org, cema@peta.org, daniel@bornfree.org.uk, john@naturewatch.org, joannew@ilph.org, awf-bva@bva.co.uk, Kirk.Thompson@Defra.gsi.gov.uk, Siobhan.Taylor@Defra.gsi.gov.uk, Megan.Roberts@dardni.gov.uk, Edward.m.varley@defra.gsi.gov.uk, idainfo@idausa.org
another sample letter:
Honorable Officials,
A grave injustice is about to be done! An innocent dog has been condemned to death! Lennox is in prison for a “crime” that has never been committed. Now a judge has condemned him to death because of his supposed breed. Word has traveled the globe about a hideous and unconscionable over-reaching of power, that has been perpetrated on an innocent family and their innocent companion animal, Lennox, a dog who was pulled away from a family that loves him, for no real justification whatsoever. Where is love, compassion and concern for the well-being of the innocent?
The world has weighed in on the injustice and criminality of taking the life of any innocent individual, human or animal. Guilt, judged by appearances, similarities, or possibilities is anathema to civilized societies, unconscionable and immoral. Please set this dog free and return him to his family!
http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html The reputation of Northern Ireland, as a place where justice is reliable and fair is at stake.
Thank you for considering my concerns and I beg you to be merciful and just in your decision.
Read more of this post
Stacey | October 4, 2011 at 10:43 am | Categories: Action Alerts, Companion Animals | URL: http://wp.me/pYypJ-4RR
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i’ll be completely honest here for you Morgana- your comment was so long i didn’t even read it past the first paragraph. There has to be a better (more effective way) to get this information out than in an enormous comment on a blog post about ‘guess this animal’
I only tell you this because according to the comment time is of the essence here and it seems like this isn’t the most efficient use of that time
so- just my two cents. take it as you will
I just sent emails AGAIN TO THE BCC and ALL BOUNCED!!! They are simply not accepting any and all communications concerning Lennox. I AM OUTRAGED that Belfast gets away with this AGAIN.
Answer time: I saw this photo labeled as “dwarf mongoose”. While nobody guessed dwarf, several of you guessed mongoose which would seem to be the significant part so congratulations. I had no idea what this animal was when I saw the photo so I appreciate that so many of you chimed in with guesses that made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Honestly, I didn’t even know mongooses came in dwarf. Here is the Wiki on the animal:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Dwarf_Mongoose
Bam! I guess i didn’t know mongooses came in dwarf either, i just knew it was a type of mongoose. I wonder how dwarf they are. I’d like to compare them to other mongooses to get an idea
That’s what I came up with AFTER I googled it. I just did a search for mongoose and looked at the images. There’s a good one of a dwarf mongoose and it has the same snout as the one in the picture. The internet can be such a neat tool.
i knew it wasn’t any sort of ground squirrel (and after i guessed marmot (which i NOW know IS a type of ground squirrel) i changed my opionion from rodent to something in the weasel family- too late of course). I knew it wasn’t a muskrat because we had to get one of those out of our egress window last spring (turns out they’re pretty ballsy when cornered)
Kotamundi?
Ok you had me until I had to scroll back up through Morgana’s off topic post. So much for light hearted.
it,s a ground mole,very common in the midwest
i thought moles didn’t have eyes…?
That was fun… hope you do it again soon.
Sadly I agree with the comment above about “Lennox”. it is way to long. The good news.. I’ve followed the story on Face Book and signed and share. Since Amanda Knox was set free.. maybe there’s hope for “Lennox”
For all of you who chose to comment negatively on Morgana’s last ditch efforts to save Lennox-I sincerely hope you are NEVER affected by BSL. Have a good day and “occasionly” think of the suffering of those whom your spare yourself the sight of. I thought this was a blog for animal lovers and advocates-guess I was immensely wrong.
The blog is what it is. I took the comments as constructive, not intended to reflect on the value of Lennox’s life or any other victims of BSL, but rather about how best to spread the message.
I personally replied to Mogana’s comment about the length of her post because instead of MOTIVATING me to help Lennox, it actually did the opposite- turned me off. If i was championing a cause and my methods were actually having the opposite effect of my intentions, i would sincerely hope that someone would point out that flaw to me so i could change my methods.
So- i’m sorry for you if you feel like my constructive criticism made you think that i don’t care about animals (which is not true and kind of out of left field, since this discussion is taking place on an animal welfare blog), but i’m not sorry i said what i did.
this will be my last comment on this blog as I am taking myself off. I thought this blog was all about animal rights and advocacy, a place where serious actions about animal abuse were taking place. I was wrong in my naivete. I followed every thread about MAS and took action on every situation that arose-emailing, writing letters, telephoning, etc. Have a nice day. I will not write what I really feel as it may offend “such kind hearted people”!
I am not understanding how you feel the blog has changed. It hasn’t strayed from the general themes as far as I can tell. If it’s simply a matter of having your feelings hurt because some people interpreted a comment one way and some another way, that’s the nature of internet discussions and I hope you don’t take it personally. We’re mostly all friends here. Friends who disagree regularly and sometimes strongly, but friends nonetheless. You are welcome to stay if you feel so inclined.
You know, Compassion Fatigue is a real thing in Animal Welfare. Sometimes caring so much and so long for animals that come from horrible situations, and seeing it over and over again can take a toll on the caretakers. it can present itself as hopelessness, burnout, apathy, and depression. Animal Welfare work is important, but it can be overwhelming. It’s important that caretakers take care of themselves so they can keep doing their work with care and compassion.
Some of the ways you can combat Compassion Fatigue (either as an individual, or through support from your ogranization):
Get enough sleep
eat well
do some light exercise
vary the work you do
pray, meditate, relax
pet an animal
learn from your experiences
celebrate accomplishments
laugh, share a happy story
take a break
do something you enjoy
support a team member
The reason i’m saying all this is because the YesBiscuit blog (and this is absolutely NO reflection on you Shirley- i appreciate you, your hard work, and your blog) can be pretty intense- there is a lot of tough stuff on here, all the freaking time, and it seems like an end is never in site
So- i was so happy to see a light hearted blog post with a game about ‘guess this animal’ – what a refreshing break to give everyone a chance to have some fun and take a break!
But then i read Morgana’s comment and more than anything else- it left me feeling EXHAUSTED
i KNOW the battle isn’t over. I’m STILL working at my shelter.
But by you saying that you thought this was a ‘serious’ blog and implying that it’s readers are too ‘kind hearted’ to give a shit about animal abuse not only was offensive and off-base, it tells me that you are not able to show support for those people who are in this WITH YOU, fighting the fight day in and day out.
And that’s a shame. Because you seem like a passionate person, with a lot of fire and motivation.
But it is not fair of you to tear down others who are (more or less) right there along side of you because they needed a freaking break
Well everyone, I do apologize. I often send things to Shirley asking to post, and she invites me to post on the blog. I don;t know how to do it, and when this thing came through for Lennox, I just wanted to share it as fast as possible for HIS sake. Sorry to have offended everyone, and now I will take time off so you all can read shorter posts.
Morgana,
You didn’t offend anyone as far as I could tell. Constructive feedback was offered on how to better assist in the efforts to help Lennox. Please don’t take it personally. Everyone loves you.
You by no means offended me. You did do a very good job with all the information.. that was a lot of work. Thank you for that. Now that you’ve figured it out.. I will be more that glad to help share and post other important events in the future. Please .. keep up the good work.. the animals need people like you. Again.. I’ve been following Lennox’s story. on Face Book
i wasn’t offended, and my comment to you was because i didn’t want important information to be overlooked just because of how/when it was presented.
I was concerned that posting that info on a ‘fun’ blog post wasn’t hitting the target audience you were aiming for.
So i hope you weren’t hurt by my feedback- it was not my intention
gopher?