RIP Lennox

Image from Dogs Today Magazine.

...I really wanted to avoid having to write these words.  At 7am GMT Lennox was put to sleep, actually let's not sugar coat it - let's say how it really is, Lennox was murdered by Belfast County Council.  After two years in captivity and a lengthy legal battle by his ever loving and loyal family Lennox's life and tragic journey has ended.

The Barnes family are in my thoughts and prayers and I will never forget or cease admiring the courage, persistence and hard work that has been tirelessly carried out on Lennox's behalf, by the Save Lennox team and high profile supporters like behaviourist Victoria Stilwell.  The very sad thing is that Lennox will never know just how loved and supported he was.

He is now free from Belfast City Council's prison cell and in a better place, may he rest in peace.  I sincerely hope that all those involved in the decision to end Lennox's life are brought to justice, I have a feeling they will.

#SaveLennox

Late yesterday morning Twitter began to flood with reports that a heartbreaking decision had been made by senior judges about the fate of Lennox, he is to be put to sleep.  

Once it had been confirmed by several sources, Lennox supporters voiced their heart rending outrage about the unfair and devastating decision.  I have chosen some to share with you:

@rockyrover30: "The official word from BBC on #lennox. Words fail me. Thoughts and prayers with the family at this upsetting time xxx"

@elliehurlock: "#SaveLennox has finally ended, w/the worst possible outcome. An innocent dog will be murdered purely for how he looks. What a world this is."

@beverleycuddy: "Hard to believe this innocent dog will die - against so much united international expert support. A shameful day. Poor Lennox. Poor owners."

@nightowl400: "What a world we live in where thugs n criminals walk the streets but an innocent family pet is sentenced to death! Where is the justice?? :("

@pocketouthouse: "Thoughts with the family and if you are truly a dog lover you would understand ...very sad went on to long!! I'm disgusted!"

@pazzypants1970: "can't think about it so sad. They should have done this 2 years ago"

@irenesophia1968: "So sad for Lennox and his family. Soon you will run free Lennox :'( shame on you Belfast city council #deednotbreed #endbsl"

@HopeRescue: "@SaveLennox Devastating news so very sorry. Where is common sense and compassion? Poor boy does not deserve to die - BSL is wrong!!"

@RAOKRichie: "Can words ever express the world's anger at @belfastCC "judges"? THIS IS AN INJUSTICE for an ANIMAL THAT DIDNT FIGHT BACK! IRONICALLY!"

Dog training expert Victoria Stilwell hit the nail on the head, "devastating and unjust. The dregs of humanity. Evidence from highly skilled dog behaviourists rejected and evidence from a police dog handler upheld. Shame on BSL (breed specific legislation) and shame on those for demonising particular breed types. I can tell you now that because of unqualified people who fear certain dogs, BSL will spread to other breeds, but ignorance will never win because we will continue to fight. Thoughts for Lennox's family and for Lennox. You poor, poor boy, trapped in the middle of this horror all because of human ignorance."

As I type this (less than an hour after the news leaked) there is just one news article I can post which is here from the BBC.  Things will become clearer through coming hours and I will update you as and when I am able with further articles and any statements made by the family.

I would like to take this time to add that I hope Lennox and his family can be reunited, albeit briefly, to say goodbye before he is tragically put to rest.  May Lennox's family find comfort in the fact that they never gave up and fought for Lennox until the last and may they seek solace in all the love and support they have received from campaigners all around the world.

Update  

A source who spoke to Lennox's family has confirmed that Lennox is still with us - this means there is still time.  Follow the latest developments by following @SaveLennox on Twitter and follow the conversation by searching #SaveLennox #Lennox #LennoxArmy #EndBSL

What can you do to help?

Please keep an eye on Twitter (see above) and check out the Save Lennox Facebook page for further updates as well as the Save Lennox website.  On here there is a list of people to e-mail asking them to help save Lennox, join the hundreds who have already expressed their outrage at the decision.  I sent my e-mail this morning and I am currently waiting to see if receive a response.  Lennox's family have asked supporters "to remain calm and dignified as always in their response to today's sad and very wrong decision by the Northern Ireland Chief Justice".

Save Lennox

For quite some time I have noticed people mentioning "Save Lennox" on social networking sites.  I assumed that they were talking about a person who needed votes on a TV show or something and feel mortified that I didn't realise the true nature of the campaign till the end of last week. I am now 100% behind the cause!

Lennox is a 7 year old American Bulldog Labrador Cross, back in May 2010 he was wrongfully seized by Belfast City Council Dog Wardens who plan to euthanise him.  Lennox had not committed any crime and his owners had responsibly neutered, licensed, insured, DNA registered, Pet Safe registered and micro chipped him whilst a puppy.  

The reason Lennox was seized was after Dog Wardens measured Lennox's muzzle and rear legs with a dress maker's tape measure and claimed that he was a possible "Pit Bull type breed" they sought no professional advice to ascertain the accuracy of this claim.

Lennox has not seen his family since the fateful day in May, over two years ago.  The family do not know where Lennox is being held or of his general well being, for reasons that have not been explained by the Belfast City Council.  Recently, photographs of Lennox emerged showing him dwelling in inhumane conditions which clearly oppose the Animal Welfare Act 2006.  

I can't imagine how the family must feel knowing that Lennox is living in these conditions whilst they wait the outcome of their campaign to save his life and welcome him home.

Local Belfast MP's, Animal Rights groups, Animal Welfare organisations, Vets and Dog Breed and Behaviourist experts are all behind the Lennox campaign which has quickly gone global with hundreds and thousands of supporters.  The campaign still needs more of us to step forward and stand behind Lennox and his family.

This is the Save Lennox website, please visit and read the full story as my post is simply a summary.  The website contains a list of ways you can help, complete with template letters and contact addresses.

Finally, please do sign the petition and I can't stress enough how important it is that you spread the word about this campaign.