Lennox, of Belfast, Northern Ireland, didn't bite anyone. There were no complaints about him. But he was seized based on his looks as a possible 'pit bull type' despite his owners' assertion that he is a Labrador-American Bull Dog cross. They assert they did everything to be responsible pet owners, yet their family pet was seized and held for two years without them being able to see him or assure themselves of his care. Lennox is slated to be euthanised this week. Regardless of the well-meaning thoughts behind the legislation in Britain that allows this to happen, this is a nightmare for pet owners whose dogs are arbitrarily labelled potentially dangerous. Also, an offer to 'rehome' Lennox in America has not apparently been answered. It seems to me that before killing a dog not for its actions or personality but for its measurements, the Belfast authorities could at least respond.
Update: Here is a more in-depth look at the situation:
World makes last desperate plea to the City of Belfast, "Save Lennox!"
In a last effort to save Lennox’s life “A formal request for a royal prerogative of mercy has been made to the Queen who has the power to grant a reprieve or pardon. In a significant move, Peter Robinson, current First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has indicated that he has asked Michelle O’Neill, minister of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs asking her to review the Lennox case as a "matter of urgency".
Meanwhile, somewhere in Belfast, Lennox waits to die. Alone, in a dank, concrete cell, a dog who has done nothing wrong waits to be killed simply because he looks “of type”. Lennox is a victim of Belfast’s misguided policy and a few stubborn people who would rather take an innocent life, than admit a mistake.
The Barnes family has one final, heartbreaking request for Belfast: "…We will fight for our right to say goodbye. We cannot bear the thought that Lennox will die without being reminded of the hearts and hands that love him."
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