Many of you have been supporting the efforts to save Lennox and have likely been seeing rumors today of possible good news in the case. Until I see it from a Belfast newspaper, the BBC, Lennox’s family or some other credible source, I’m going to hold off on reporting. Please use this open thread to share any updates about Lennox or anything else animal related, as per usual.
I don’t know if it’s the overall injustice of it all, or the fact that Lennox looks a lot like my dog, Grover, or the sweet and sad looks on his face in the few pictures that have come out of his incarceration. It’s probably a combination of all that but I literally start to cry every time I see a post about him. I, too, emailed everyone I whose contact information was listed. I hope for his sake, the sake of his family, and the sake of my mental health that he gets a reprieve.
I think for me, the primary outrage has to do with the steadfast determination of the Belfast City Council to kill the dog. In the face of all evidence and common sense, through legal battles and public outcry, they have held on to Lennox’s death warrant like it’s the last chopper out of ‘Nam. They truly come across as evil people to me.
I couldn’t agree more, it’s like they have a point to proof … The ‘dog’ thing to do is humbly admit error … But man is not dog. Hope in my heart.
I feel like for them now to admit that they were wrong would make them lose face – so no matter how many of us contact them, and how many experts say that he isn’t dangerous they won’t let go – because they can’t admit that they were wrong. Poor Lennox – dying for someone’s ego.
Ego is the same reason we can’t get a breed ban repeal in Prince George’s County, Maryland….yet….
Have to agree with you . . . we watched in horror as ignorance reared its ugly head . . . I cannot get my hopes up until I see Lennox walk among the free again. I doubt Belfast cares much about what we think unless it has a dastardly effect on their pockets. In the end, maybe some kind-hearted Irishman will take a Bic lighter to the death warrant while they hold onto it.
I don’t have much to say right now. I too am waiting to hear one way or another on :Lennox”. I’m commenting so I won’t miss any of the news.
I’ve emailed, faxed and called all over – I’ve lost track. I can only hope the efforts made by so many has an acceptable ending. My heart is bruised for this family and so many others that suffer due to BSL. Much like this poor woman (and if I still lived in Maryland I would give her a home….):
http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2012/07/homeless-with-my-girls/
From Kim Winters, one hour ago in the fb group Lennox Posters:
Kim Winters
OFFICIAL-******** for those of you who do not know me, I am Craigs sister , Carolines sister in law (Lennox owner) ….I can confirm that NO amnesty has been granted, we still need to keep up the pressure, please share this CORRECT info, THANKYOU all for your support xxxxxxxxxxxx
So sad and awful about Lennox. I really hope that he is able to get out of there. The determination to kill this poor pup is really outrageous!
Even if the dog is released, it is truly sad that it has come to the current situation. There is no reason that people should have to beg for what is humane and just.
Hard to say how much heat the BCC is feeling. Hopefully a whole fucking lot. Although I’d like to see them do what is right because of simple decency and rationality, not because they feel public pressure. But they’ve brought it on themselves. It’s just shameful.
Apologies for my cursing, I seem to be unable to comment on a Lennox-based thread without including barnyard language.
I can imagine how near impossible it is for Lennox’s family to go to court and sit quietly.
For something cheerfull while we all hope for Lennox:
Tampa Zoo offers the chance to play tug of war with a tiger: http://www.970wfla.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=104668&article=10241497
10 hours ago, the FB page Save Lennox, which as I understand it is the “official” page — i.e., the one used by Lennox’s family — linked to the examiner.com page below. Save Lennox FB requested a flood of emails, all using the text given at the examiner page, and requested that the emails be sent today. It is now after 11 p.m. in the U.K., and I wish I’d seen this much earlier, but I sent the email anyway.
The examiner.com page provides not just the exact wording to use, but also the two key email addresses.
http://www.examiner.com/article/one-last-push-of-urgent-e-mails-needed-for-a-lennox-miracle
One of the comments at Save Lennox FB says: “Per save Lennox twitter also email the mayor of Belfast at robinsong2@belfastcity.gov.uk“
And something not nearly as cheerfull.
James is a New Guinea Singing Dog. He was already rescued once, unfortunetly he needed rescue again, and this time the vet bills are going to be horrid. He was already missing most of one rear leg at his original rescue, it should have been removed and never was, now he’s also far to underweight to stand any medical procedures, and his new adopter wasn’t told about all this untill she was handed the dog (old photos were used). She wasn’t prepared for the medical bills but James has stolen her heart and she wants to keep him and make sure he’s cared for.
I hope these links work.
James shortly after arriving at his new(est) home: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=432179083468946&set=a.417076898312498.95796.117502838269907&type=3&theater
A Chipin to help with his additional medical bills: http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/3e8c5470d9b5420c
Additional photos of James, the pups he was rescued with (they’re his, the former owner thought he wouldn’t be able to breed with only one rear leg), and the dogs he now lives with: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.417076898312498.95796.117502838269907&type=3
The Chipin has closed due to reaching its $500 goal. James’s medical bills will likely be quite a bit more than that. If anyone would still like to help you can contact Drool is Kool via their Facebook page (linked above in for the pictures or here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/drool-is-kool/117502838269907 or contact me via my blog (click on my name above my comment) and I’ll get you in touch.
If someone from here is one of the additional donors who pushed the Chipin to its goal thank you very much!
Twitter — #FreeNIone is reportedly trending.
I don’t know how many people saw this post on Care2 from Victoria Stillwell… it seems she’s come forward and personally promised to be responsible for Lennox and rehome him in the US (and went out of her way to kiss their butts to keep them from ‘losing face’)….and they STILL are holding out?
They truly are EVIL!
Victoria Stilwell
Lennox’s Last Chance
Posted by admin – 07/04/12 at 04:07:53 am – 141 Comments
As most close observers of Lennox’s case now know, the legal process which had been undertaken in an attempt to return the dog to the Barnes family (his owners) has run its course to no avail. I remain in close contact with the Barnes family and continue to be amazed by their resolve and courage while attempting to save their beloved boy’s life. It is important to understand that every possible legal avenue to release Lennox back to the family has been exhausted, and that result is no longer an option. Indeed, the latest news is that he is scheduled to be euthanized next week. My heart goes out to Craig, Caroline and Brooke for what they are enduring.
Over the past year, I have received many generous and kind-hearted offers from those wishing to help on Lennox’s behalf, and I have ensured that the Barnes family and Lennox’s legal team have been made aware of all of these.
Several months ago, I began working behind the scenes with Lennox’s legal team to begin the process of convincing the court system to allow Lennox to be rehomed in the US – a process which I personally am dedicated to overseeing and facilitating if it is allowed by the court. I have personally received the Barnes family’s approval to take Lennox, and while I can only imagine the heartache they would feel at seeing him go, they have said they would prefer him to have a happy life elsewhere rather than see it end next week. My longstanding private offer to absorb all of the cost and organize all of the travel arrangements to transport him at no expense to the Belfast City Council has been with those responsible for making the final decisions regarding Lennox for some time. Indeed, we are currently awaiting a response to the legal team’s request to the BCC to meet with me directly to discuss options. As of this morning, we have not had an official response from the BCC regarding this offer.
I’d like to be clear about something: while I detest Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) and laws such as the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act which are responsible for the incarceration and destruction of dogs like Lennox all over the world, I understand the difficult position municipalities are put in during situations like this. While I do believe that the BCC and court system have made significant errors in the handling and prosecution of Lennox’s case, I do not ever advocate overturning the rule of law and re-writing legislation on the fly as we see how it affects our personal daily lives. We cannot bend and reshape standing laws in our societies any time we don’t like the outcome they provide. Instead, we must refocus our efforts on changing inappropriate and dangerous laws completely from the top down, which is why I’ve been railing against the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act legislation for many years. Lennox’s impending euthanasia is but one of hundreds of examples of how this law unfairly prosecutes perfectly well-adjusted pets while failing to truly protect the public from dangerous dogs – the purported aim of the legislation in the first place. We must not allow Lennox’s and the Barnes family’s ordeal to be in vain – let’s all unite behind a concerted, positive effort to overturn the Dangerous Dogs Act in the UK and other laws just like it currently on the books in countless other parts of the world.
So to the Belfast court system and the BCC, I now publicly give you my word that if you remand custody of Lennox to me and allow me to take him to a safe place in the US, I will not disparage the BCC, the Belfast court system, or those involved with this case in any way moving forward. Indeed, I will publicly recognize the courage that it will take to rise above the divisive voices clamoring on both sides of this issue, follow the law, and yet also show some humanity and allow this dog to live out his final years in peace in the US. I recognize that although I wholeheartedly and passionately disagree with the repeated rulings that found him to be a dangerous dog, once he was found to be guilty, you have little choice but to enforce the law. All I’m asking is that you recognize the special nature of this case and allow him to leave the country – a result which still allows you to uphold the spirit of the law while avoiding the death of what I and many others consider to be an innocent dog and averting an even more damaging end to what has undoubtedly become a public relations nightmare.
I’m in Dublin tonight and will be in Belfast over the weekend and at the beginning of next week to visit with the Barnes family and explore any last-ditch efforts to save Lennox. I’ll post any updates here, and I also encourage you to visit Lennox’s official page.
Click the links below to read other articles from myself and others:
Sarah Fisher’s Lennox Statement
Jim Crosby’s Lennox Statement
Victoria’s Blog
141 Comments
© Copyright 2012 Victoria Stilwell Enterprises LLC. Site by JLOOP
From Fugly Horse of the Day – http://fuglyblog.com/2012/07/09/barn-fire-a-mothers-love/
Please let him come to the US. What will be acomplished if you kll hi
m…. Please in Gods name, let him live!!
just saw this posted… I’m praying he has been saved..http://www.examiner.com/article/has-lennox-been-spared-from-death-belfast?CID=examiner_alerts_article
I think that might have been yesterday’s hoax.
I hate riding this roller coaster ride of emotions
I’ve courtously written to every address found for the release of Lennox, as so many around the world has. I can’t help thinking the determination to kill Lennox is one person’s personal vendetta & they don’t care about the reprecussions Belfast will face years to come because of it. Lennox is probably the most well known dog in the world at this time & too many people are watching.
Where is 007 when you need him?
I just saw this article, posted 16 min ago:
*Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson steps in to save Lennox the dog*
From the article: ” After Northern Ireland’s top court rejected the latest appeal, First Minister Mr Robinson intervened and called on the council to reconsider.
He said: “As a dog lover I am very unhappy with the outcome of this case.”
Mr Robinson also suggested the council “seriously look at rehoming option.”
Spoke to Lord Mayor about Lennox. Suggested BCC should seriously look at re-homing option. Why exercise the Order if there’s an alternative?
— Peter Robinson (@DUPleader) July 9, 2012
…….
A 28-day reprieve ends at midnight tonight.
I tried to post the link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/pets/9389178/Northern-Irelands-First-Minister-Peter-Robinson-steps-in-to-save-Lennox-the-dog.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18778793
Two things:
Predictably, there have been some threats of violence against the BCC. Not acceptable.
Secondly, I interpret the remarks at the bottom of the article to be the BCC’s first recent official comments. Not exactly encouraging.
Gotta give the BCC credit for one thing – they sure know how to stick to a story.
I would seriously like to hear the BCC address a request to send Lennox to Mars.
Their line “”The council has a duty which it performs reluctantly in order to ensure public safety. Re-homing will not deal with the issues in this case – the dog has been found to be unpredictable and dangerous by experts. That view is shared by the courts and the dog is now the subject of an order by the courts.” is completely inaccurate.
Rehoming to a location where a dangerous dog is not defined in the way that Northern Ireland defines it most certainly WOULD deal with the issue.
To cite a silly example, if I wanted to pay for the services of prostitutes, that would be illegal in California where I live. If I were to rehome myself to a place where prostitution is legal, that would in fact “deal with the issues”. Except of course, for the issues that my wife would have with me.
No I’m sorry Joel, we’re just going to have to kill you. Reluctantly, of course.
Well I think you could safely leave that to my wife.
What would it take to find out where he’s being kept and liberate him? I am being serious here….if Lennox “disappeared” then BBC could save face and Lennox could continue living the life he was meant to live – far away from those who loved him, but alive at least. Milan & Stillwell have BOTH offered to rehome Lennox to the US – to no avail. So maybe it’s time for a covert operation to take matters into their own hands. I can only imagine the mental state of the poor dog after 2 years stuck in his cramps, sawdust cell….praying that things change for him SOON.
I don’t think anyone but the BCC knows where he is being kept.
What really gets me is that this isn’t just a pet dog. Lennox is a child’s support dog. Not only does the little girl lose her friend, she also loses what Lennox was giving her so she could live normally in this world (I have no idea what kind of support he gave – I couldn’t find it). You would think that just that would have given him some leniancy! Poor family. I hope that if he can’t be saved that they are at least allowed to be with him at the end. And that they will be allowed to reclaim the body.
Someone in Ireland tweeted that the official word is no reprieve and that a final visit is denied. They won’t even allow him comfort before he dies.
Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/TheLennoxCampaign – they aren’t even going to get the body back.
Thank you Daniela. Here is the text:
Official Statement From Lennox’s Family:
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all again for your messages of support. We are sorry to say at the present time Belfast city council seem to be intent on killing our boy. Despite previous assurances otherwise, we have been denied the opportunity to say goodbye. We have also been told that we cannot collect his body and bring Len home. We have been informed however that we will receive “some” ashes in the mail.
This is just awful. I am so sorry for that family.
Some creep is setting dogs on fire in Philadelphia and they are going to have a Rally. Chloe did not make it and died of her injuries. The puppy Hercules was set on fire a week later and still holding his own. Here is link to info on Rally for July 12th.
http://pspca.org/2012/07/burned-puppy-continues-to-improve-as-pennsylvania-spca-hosts-rally-against-animal-abuse/
That strangely sounds like the burning & poisoning dog hateing muslims in the Netherlands have been charged with.
On Philadelphia SPCA website reward offered for person who knows who did this.
http://pspca.org/2012/07/reward-fund-set-for-burned-pup-chloe-reward-up-to-5000/
Does everyone know of the standing $5000 reward offered by PETA & HSUS for info on dog fighting? I really want as many people possible to collect that.
I didnt know where to put this, so I decided to put it here. This is a page for a lawyer who is trying to track and shut down puppy mills. She put up a photo of dogs crammed in a cage with a tag that said ‘ASPCA’. People thought that meant that they were at the ASPCA, so I chimed in and said how awful they are, so it wouldnt surprise me if they were, and people disagreed, drinking the ASPCA Kool-aid. If anyone can help me, Id appreciate it a ton! Thanks! :)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=361615107242066&set=a.225255494211362.53084.178958462174399&type=1&theater