Lennox 'humanely put to sleep'
Official statement of Belfast City Council
Dangerous dog is put to sleep following final court decision - 11 July 2012
Belfast City Council confirmed today that the dog Lennox, an illegal pit-bull terrier type, has been humanely put to sleep. This was in accordance with the Order of the County Court which was affirmed by the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal.
Whilst there is an exemption scheme to which dogs of this type (pit-bull terrier type) may be admitted as an alternative to destruction, there were no such measures that could be applied in this case that would address the concerns relating to public safety. The Council`s expert described the dog as one of the most unpredictable and dangerous dogs he had come across.
Over the past two years, Council officials have been subjected to a sustained campaign of abuse including threats of violence and death threats. The Council has been in ongoing contact with the PSNI in relation to that.
The Council regrets that the court action was necessary but would emphasise that the safety of the public remains its key priority.
Dangerous dog is put to sleep following final court decision - 11 July 2012
Belfast City Council confirmed today that the dog Lennox, an illegal pit-bull terrier type, has been humanely put to sleep. This was in accordance with the Order of the County Court which was affirmed by the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal.
Whilst there is an exemption scheme to which dogs of this type (pit-bull terrier type) may be admitted as an alternative to destruction, there were no such measures that could be applied in this case that would address the concerns relating to public safety. The Council`s expert described the dog as one of the most unpredictable and dangerous dogs he had come across.
Over the past two years, Council officials have been subjected to a sustained campaign of abuse including threats of violence and death threats. The Council has been in ongoing contact with the PSNI in relation to that.
The Council regrets that the court action was necessary but would emphasise that the safety of the public remains its key priority.
Humanely?
What is there 'humanely' at how the BCC has treated Lennox and his family?
They ripped him away from his family, including his little human sister. They locked him away in a concrete prison cell for more than two years; his family was not allowed to see him during all this time.
Finally, they murdered Lennox, an innocent, only because of how he looks. His family has been denied to say 'good bye' and they were not allowed to collect Lennox' body and to bring him home.
What is there 'humanely' at all this?
Finally, they murdered Lennox, an innocent, only because of how he looks. His family has been denied to say 'good bye' and they were not allowed to collect Lennox' body and to bring him home.
What is there 'humanely' at all this?
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.
A post made by Victoria Stilwell (shared July 12, 2012):
I want to know why Belfast City council won't give Lennox's body back to the family and why they won't even return his collar to Brooke even though they were asked to do so by the family so that she could have something to remember him by. There is something corrupt going on and an independent review of the council's actions in this case needs to be done. I want answers.
Why not return the body? Was Lennox even still alive and what physical condition was he in at the time of his death? We already have evidence of his poor physical state during Sarah Fisher's behavioral evaluation of him last year. Hair loss, sores on his body,a hurt neck and damaged paw. The council have many questions they need to answer because I think they have something to hide.
I want to know why Belfast City council won't give Lennox's body back to the family and why they won't even return his collar to Brooke even though they were asked to do so by the family so that she could have something to remember him by. There is something corrupt going on and an independent review of the council's actions in this case needs to be done. I want answers.
Why not return the body? Was Lennox even still alive and what physical condition was he in at the time of his death? We already have evidence of his poor physical state during Sarah Fisher's behavioral evaluation of him last year. Hair loss, sores on his body,a hurt neck and damaged paw. The council have many questions they need to answer because I think they have something to hide.
A word shared from Victoria Stilwell (shared July 13, 2012):
To all Lennox supporters and those against BSL. Please read this from my colleague Jim Crosby and share with as many people as you can. This is vitally important. When I was brought onto the case a year ago I received a copy of the BCC's 'expert's' report. This report was only supposed to be an evaluation of Lennox's measurements to determine whether Lennox was of pitbull type (which is laughable in itself.) The last paragraph of the report states that even though this expert knows that he has only been brought in to measure Lennox he still offers his opinion of Lennox's behavior, which he questions. That's it - one paragraph. I also have the behavioral evaluation reports from both David Ryan and Sarah Fisher - pages and pages of detailed, intelligent, unbiased and thorough investigations of Lennox's behavior. Yet the BCC stand by their 'expert' and so did the courts, discrediting the evidence of two qualified behavioral experts. Is that justice? Is that fair?
It is also public knowledge now, even though I have said nothing on this matter, but because it is already out there I will have to answer your questions truthfully, yes, the BCC's 'expert' did try to sue me for speaking out against him and questioning his credentials, and yes he did expect money from me to settle the dispute. He was not successful because all I did was speak the truth. But these are the kind of people that the family,myself and all those who have supported Lennox, have been up against. I will finish by saying that I do not approve of threats and intimidation being done to anyone on either side and would appeal to those who conduct themselves in such a way to stop - you are not helping matters. But also be aware that those of us who have supported Lennox and the family themselves have also received threats, some from the very people that BCC employ.
So onto Jim's report - this is a window into how it should be done:
To all Lennox supporters and those against BSL. Please read this from my colleague Jim Crosby and share with as many people as you can. This is vitally important. When I was brought onto the case a year ago I received a copy of the BCC's 'expert's' report. This report was only supposed to be an evaluation of Lennox's measurements to determine whether Lennox was of pitbull type (which is laughable in itself.) The last paragraph of the report states that even though this expert knows that he has only been brought in to measure Lennox he still offers his opinion of Lennox's behavior, which he questions. That's it - one paragraph. I also have the behavioral evaluation reports from both David Ryan and Sarah Fisher - pages and pages of detailed, intelligent, unbiased and thorough investigations of Lennox's behavior. Yet the BCC stand by their 'expert' and so did the courts, discrediting the evidence of two qualified behavioral experts. Is that justice? Is that fair?
It is also public knowledge now, even though I have said nothing on this matter, but because it is already out there I will have to answer your questions truthfully, yes, the BCC's 'expert' did try to sue me for speaking out against him and questioning his credentials, and yes he did expect money from me to settle the dispute. He was not successful because all I did was speak the truth. But these are the kind of people that the family,myself and all those who have supported Lennox, have been up against. I will finish by saying that I do not approve of threats and intimidation being done to anyone on either side and would appeal to those who conduct themselves in such a way to stop - you are not helping matters. But also be aware that those of us who have supported Lennox and the family themselves have also received threats, some from the very people that BCC employ.
So onto Jim's report - this is a window into how it should be done:
Listen at BBC Radio Ulster: http://positively.com/2012/07/11/victoria-debates-bcc-representative-on-the-radio/
In a radio interview, Victoria Stilwell tells BCC exactly how it is. Unfortunately for BCC they didn't put forward a stable enough spokeperson Tto give argument.
In a radio interview, Victoria Stilwell tells BCC exactly how it is. Unfortunately for BCC they didn't put forward a stable enough spokeperson Tto give argument.
BCC murdered Lennox today, and the world is mourning.
Lennox will never be forgotten!
One of the many pictures made to honor Lennox
The world declares WAR on Belfast City Council!
BCC if you think this is over, think again: this is just the beginning. Let's see what you're made of.
You should be ashamed of yourselves both as a council and as individuals. To call yourselves human and that you act in the best interests of the people, is nothing more than a fabrication.
Let's see what the best of your desk drivers can do now. You have set a precedent that you will come to regret and will come back to haunt you.
Quoted: a friend of Lennox
For over two years,
the Belfast City Council has prosecuted and persecuted
an innocent Lennox and his family.
Lennox dog licence & tag issued by Belfast City Council: It is clearly stated that he is a BULLDOG .... yet he has been killed for being a PIT-BULL TERRIER TYP
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picture of the dog warden who, under oath in court said that she cannot control him. That she is afraid of him....
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The petition
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By signing the petition using the widget > > > > or directly at change.org, the message below will be sent to:
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Greetings,
We are sure you are aware of the recent actions of the Belfast City Council, who recently killed the dog, Lennox, based on an arbitrary determination of his body type. In killing Lennox, the BCC has inadvertently created a martyr and has galvanised dog lovers everywhere in their fight against Breed Specific Legislation. We are also galvanised in our desire to see the actions of the Council and parties who perjured themselves investigated and exposed.
For that reason, we are engaging in and promoting a worldwide boycott of all Northern Ireland products and travel of those companies who do not join the tax/rate paying citizens of NI and the rest of the world in publicly denouncing the crimes of BCC. We are asking Bushmill's, Michelin, and the government of Northern Ireland to stand with the world in calling for an unbiased and independent investigation of the corrupt individuals involved in this case. We are also working toward a repeal of the archaic ‘dangerous dogs act’, which, by definition is ambiguous and arbitrary and has unfairly targeted certain breeds of canines, resulting in illegal seizure and killing of thousands of family dogs. These dogs are not the enemy. The enemies are the people who sneak around the back alleys and engage in the brutal act of dog fighting. The dogs are the victims.
BCC’s total disregard for a citizen’s rights and their intentional disregard for the expertise of more than one independent and unbiased, qualified professional’s proposals for aid and resolution for Lennox and his family, has only been compounded by their lack of sensitivity, compassion and professionalism. There are reports of the BCC staff making animal sounds in mockery when concerned citizens telephoned to enquire as to the status of Lennox, which is deeply disturbing and paints the government of the city of Belfast in a very bad light.
We are all astounded at the petty refusal to let Lennox’s family visit the dog one last time, have his body after he was killed or even receive his collar. Those actions, are at the very least, suspicious, and indicate that Lennox may have been gone for some time. At most, they indicate a governmental body out of control and abusing its authority without fear of consequence.
Today we number perhaps 250,000 people across the globe who want some justice for Lennox and who are working against laws that will see this heinous act performed again and again. Each of us is committed to telling the story to multiple friends and acquaintances and tomorrow we easily expect to be a force of millions, in NI and across the globe. We do this not only for the benefit of the citizens of Belfast, but for the citizens of every tax paying community in every country, who have rights to due process under the law.
Please join us in declaring freedom from abusive authorities and calling for this investigation. We are asking that you make a public statement in support of this investigation, or email such for publication to BoycottBelfast@gmail.com by July 19, 2012. The call for the boycott will begin on July 20, 2012.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
We are sure you are aware of the recent actions of the Belfast City Council, who recently killed the dog, Lennox, based on an arbitrary determination of his body type. In killing Lennox, the BCC has inadvertently created a martyr and has galvanised dog lovers everywhere in their fight against Breed Specific Legislation. We are also galvanised in our desire to see the actions of the Council and parties who perjured themselves investigated and exposed.
For that reason, we are engaging in and promoting a worldwide boycott of all Northern Ireland products and travel of those companies who do not join the tax/rate paying citizens of NI and the rest of the world in publicly denouncing the crimes of BCC. We are asking Bushmill's, Michelin, and the government of Northern Ireland to stand with the world in calling for an unbiased and independent investigation of the corrupt individuals involved in this case. We are also working toward a repeal of the archaic ‘dangerous dogs act’, which, by definition is ambiguous and arbitrary and has unfairly targeted certain breeds of canines, resulting in illegal seizure and killing of thousands of family dogs. These dogs are not the enemy. The enemies are the people who sneak around the back alleys and engage in the brutal act of dog fighting. The dogs are the victims.
BCC’s total disregard for a citizen’s rights and their intentional disregard for the expertise of more than one independent and unbiased, qualified professional’s proposals for aid and resolution for Lennox and his family, has only been compounded by their lack of sensitivity, compassion and professionalism. There are reports of the BCC staff making animal sounds in mockery when concerned citizens telephoned to enquire as to the status of Lennox, which is deeply disturbing and paints the government of the city of Belfast in a very bad light.
We are all astounded at the petty refusal to let Lennox’s family visit the dog one last time, have his body after he was killed or even receive his collar. Those actions, are at the very least, suspicious, and indicate that Lennox may have been gone for some time. At most, they indicate a governmental body out of control and abusing its authority without fear of consequence.
Today we number perhaps 250,000 people across the globe who want some justice for Lennox and who are working against laws that will see this heinous act performed again and again. Each of us is committed to telling the story to multiple friends and acquaintances and tomorrow we easily expect to be a force of millions, in NI and across the globe. We do this not only for the benefit of the citizens of Belfast, but for the citizens of every tax paying community in every country, who have rights to due process under the law.
Please join us in declaring freedom from abusive authorities and calling for this investigation. We are asking that you make a public statement in support of this investigation, or email such for publication to BoycottBelfast@gmail.com by July 19, 2012. The call for the boycott will begin on July 20, 2012.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Thank you!
A call to every journalist and investigator on the planet:
Who gets to be our hero?
Isn't this the reason you all went into your professions in the first place?
PLEASE help us bring JUSTICE to these liars and killers.
PLEASE help us bring JUSTICE to these liars and killers.
Honoring a liar, is not the right thing to do...
Op-Ed: Dog warden who testified against Lennox the dog gets a promotion
By Elizabeth Batt - July 15, 2012
With outrage still swirling over the death of Lennox the dog, it appears that Alexandra Lightfoot, the dog warden who testified under oath that Lennox was "one of the most aggressive dogs" she had dealt with, received a promotion.
Lennox, the Labrador/American Bulldog, was destroyed on July 11 by Belfast City Council (BCC), despite a massive campaign to free the dog and re-home him in the USA.
For more than two years, the Barnes family who owned Lennox, pursued all legal avenues to bring their dog home after he was seized by the BCC in May 2010. But by mid-June, a final court ruling upheld the decision of two lower courts who ordered Lennox to be destroyed under the Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA).
More than 200,000 people had signed a petition asking the BCC to spare Lennox. Dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, star of It's Me or the Dog, had offered to re-home him in the US. Even Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson, asked Belfast's Lord Mayor about Lennox's case and suggested BCC should seriously look at the re-homing option, considering the dog had no violent history.
But it was all to no avail. BCC carried out the court's destruction order as soon as it was viable to do so. Robinson called the act shameful. "Destroying a dog that had no history of aggression is folly" he said, "and shames society." But it was more shameful in that the court ignored independent assessments from two certified dog behaviorists - David Ryans and Sarah Fisher, and relied solely on the testimony of two people, Peter Tallack (a dog handler), and Alexandra Lightfoot (a dog warden), both employed by BCC.
Alexandra Lightfoot, also known as Sandie Lightfoot, took the stand and testified under oath that Lennox was "one of the most aggressive dogs" she had ever seen, and she was scared to be around him. But her account did not jibe with video captured one year after Lennox was seized, that showed Ms. Lightfoot holding and petting Lennox during Ryan's assessment.
Ms. Lightfoot's involvement in the Lennox case has long been queried by the Barnes family and also by thousands of Lennox supporters. Both have accused the BCC employee of perjury, and a 15,000 signature petition, asked that she be removed from her post as a dog warden at BCC.
After a tip received by Digital Journal, it seems Ms. Lightfoot may have already moved on, months before Lennox was euthanized.
According to minutes posted online of the proceedings of a Meeting of the Environment and Borough Services Committee of Antrim Borough Council held on Thursday 19 April 2012, Ms. Lightfoot might have received a promotion, and is now working as an Animal Welfare Officer in the city of Antrim, about 19 miles north-west of Belfast:
Source
With outrage still swirling over the death of Lennox the dog, it appears that Alexandra Lightfoot, the dog warden who testified under oath that Lennox was "one of the most aggressive dogs" she had dealt with, received a promotion.
Lennox, the Labrador/American Bulldog, was destroyed on July 11 by Belfast City Council (BCC), despite a massive campaign to free the dog and re-home him in the USA.
For more than two years, the Barnes family who owned Lennox, pursued all legal avenues to bring their dog home after he was seized by the BCC in May 2010. But by mid-June, a final court ruling upheld the decision of two lower courts who ordered Lennox to be destroyed under the Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA).
More than 200,000 people had signed a petition asking the BCC to spare Lennox. Dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, star of It's Me or the Dog, had offered to re-home him in the US. Even Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson, asked Belfast's Lord Mayor about Lennox's case and suggested BCC should seriously look at the re-homing option, considering the dog had no violent history.
But it was all to no avail. BCC carried out the court's destruction order as soon as it was viable to do so. Robinson called the act shameful. "Destroying a dog that had no history of aggression is folly" he said, "and shames society." But it was more shameful in that the court ignored independent assessments from two certified dog behaviorists - David Ryans and Sarah Fisher, and relied solely on the testimony of two people, Peter Tallack (a dog handler), and Alexandra Lightfoot (a dog warden), both employed by BCC.
Alexandra Lightfoot, also known as Sandie Lightfoot, took the stand and testified under oath that Lennox was "one of the most aggressive dogs" she had ever seen, and she was scared to be around him. But her account did not jibe with video captured one year after Lennox was seized, that showed Ms. Lightfoot holding and petting Lennox during Ryan's assessment.
Ms. Lightfoot's involvement in the Lennox case has long been queried by the Barnes family and also by thousands of Lennox supporters. Both have accused the BCC employee of perjury, and a 15,000 signature petition, asked that she be removed from her post as a dog warden at BCC.
After a tip received by Digital Journal, it seems Ms. Lightfoot may have already moved on, months before Lennox was euthanized.
According to minutes posted online of the proceedings of a Meeting of the Environment and Borough Services Committee of Antrim Borough Council held on Thursday 19 April 2012, Ms. Lightfoot might have received a promotion, and is now working as an Animal Welfare Officer in the city of Antrim, about 19 miles north-west of Belfast:
Source
The Petition
Alexandra Lightfoot to be removed from her post as Dog Warden with Belfast City Council
To: Belfast City Council
We are requesting that Alexandra Lightfoot is removed from her post as Dog Warden with Belfast City Council. Alexandra Lightfoot has lied under oath in a court of law and has played a key role in the pending destruction of Lennox a 6 year old American Bull dog Labrador cross.
Lennox has been misidentified as a pit bull type.
Alexandra Lightfoot has committed perjury in a court of law by saying that Lennox is a danger to the public and that she is afraid of him. There is photographic evidence showing Alexandra Lightfoot cuddling lennox and showing no fear towards him. She must be made to be accountable for her actions and removed from her post as Dog Warden.
Lennox’s family have done more than what is required by the law as responsible dog owners. Lennox has been neutered, licensed, insured, DNA registered, Pet Safe registered and micro chipped prior to his removal from their family. Belfast City Council have issued a dog licence for Lennox for the last five years.
Please click HERE to sign. Thank you!
Please read also:
One last push of urgent e-mails needed for a Lennox miracle
First Minister's plea for Lennox as New York campaigners target British Consulate
World declares war on Belfast City Council
Lennox 'humanely put to sleep', confirmed BCC on July 11, 2012
July 11 ~ International Lennox Day
