An Outrage in Belfast
The sad case of Lennox, the dog
by Joan K. Smith for Huffington Post posted May 9, 2012
Those of us living in what we consider free societies often feel secure that if we comply by laws, pay our taxes, and maintain other civic duties we should not live in fear of government officials entering our homes and disrupting our families.
Not so in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where a tragic situation that is nothing short of Orwellian has played out for over two years. Lennox, a Labrador/American Bulldog mix, was seized from the Barnes family under the U.K.'s "Dangerous Dogs Act" (DDA) and sentenced to death due simply to his physical measurements. Under the DDA, if a dog's measurements are in line with their standard for "pit bull types", the dog can be seized without warrant and sentenced to death (a recent amendment stipulates the that the dog must also be proven dangerous). The DDA assumption that physical traits dictate a dog's behavioral tendencies is contradicted by well known dog experts and virtually every major veterinary, animal control, and emergency medical associations worldwide - all of whom have spoken out against these laws .
It's hard to image a more unlikely target for the law than the Barnes family. Lennox is an American Bulldog/Labrador mix who had never been reported for any act of aggression, and in fact had never exhibited a single sign of misbehavior. He is not only a family pet, but has served as a therapy dog and soulmate for a disabled girl, Brook Barnes, who is now 13. Lennox's family had provided a stable, loving home environment. He had been microchipped, neutered, DNA registered, insured, and even had a valid city-issued dog license. By all accounts, Caroline Barnes, a former veterinary nurse, is a model pet owner.
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Yet on May 19, 2010, the City of Belfast saw fit to turn their world upside down, in the most baffling way imaginable: Two dog wardens (who operate under the auspices of Belfast City Council) came knocking at the Barnes door bearing a warrant with an entirely different address; it's still unclear whether the visit was a simple mistake or prompted by Ms. Barnes' recently renewing the city dog license. The Barnes related that after smoking cigarettes and pleasantly chatting over tea, they produced a tape with which they measured Lennox; they then announced they were seizing him because, by their assessment of his measurements, he was "of type.*
That was nearly two years ago. Since then, in spite of massive worldwide outcry, including pleas from noted dog behavioral experts and celebrities, a petition that now bears over 127,000 signatures, and a growing "Boycott Belfast " movement, Lennox has been held in a secret location while the family pitches a desperate legal battle for his life.
It's no exaggeration to say that prosecution case against Lennox has been rife with inconsistencies, errors, and even accusations of perjury. The absurd twists and cast of characters could make this case darkly comic -- Samuel Butler or Dickens would have had a romp with it -- if it didn't ultimately hinge on one innocent life, and the suffering of a heartbroken girl.
One would think the case would have been put to bed in September 2011, after two expert animal behaviorists, Sarah Fisher and David Ryan, presented the results of their separate, extensive evaluations of Lennox. Both came to the conclusion that Lennox is friendly and of no danger, and presented these reports to the court.
Inexplicably, the judge dismissed those evaluations, and instead relied on the opinion of one Peter Tallack, a police dog handler and noted supporter of the DDA, whose official role in the case was simply "breed identifier." In a quirky bit of testimony, a flustered Tallack offered the opinion that Lennox was "waiting to go off,"
Apparently using this as the basis, Judge Rodgers called Lennox "a disaster waiting to happen" in a ruling that upheld Lennox's death sentence not on the basis of any past or current behavior, but on a projection that he might be aggressive at some point in the future. (Imagine if a human defendant were convicted on these grounds!)
When the defense appealed again in late January of this year, the case was reviewed by the very same Judge Rodgers, who - surprise - chose not to overturn his own ruling.
Outrage sums up the reaction of Victoria Stilwell, celebrity dog trainer and host of the program "It's Me or the Dog," with whom I spoke earlier this year. Stilwell has been outspoken in her support for Lennox, devoting a number of articles and a podcast to it, and against breed specific legislation in general (which she sums up as "addressing the wrong end of the leash"). Stilwell has studied the video assessments of Lennox and reviewed Sarah Fisher's report, and simply can't believe the judge would have taken the word of Tallack - who is, by his own admission, not a behaviorist - over the the opinions of two highly regarded professionals.
Concurring with Stilwell is Jim Crosby, a dog trainer and expert in canine aggression. By his account, he has personally assessed more dogs involved in fatal attacks than anyone else on the planet. He stresses that breed is most certainly not a factor in determining whether a dog is dangerous or not; it is the individual characteristics of a dog. This is a man who knows aggressive animals, and he cries foul in the Lennox case. "This poor dog didn't do anything, he was minding his own business, happily at home," he said in a January conversation. "That's the baffling thing."
Also like Stilwell, Crosby questions why the testimony of Tallack, a police dog handler, was given credence by the judge. He says to have someone with Tallack's highly focused skill set evaluate a family dog like Lennox for aggressive tendencies is "like asking a guy who works on Piper plane to repair the space shuttle." It's a very different type of dog in a completely different situation.
Both Stilwell and Crosby continue to speak out passionately about the Lennox case, and Stilwell has especially expressed alarm over evidence that Lennox's health is deteriorating further, based on photo evidence showing massive hair loss and sores.
A final appeal to high court is set for May 24. If it is ruled that Lennox cannot be returned to his family, the defense is asking at least to allow a friendly party in the Republic of Ireland (where there is no breed specific legislation) to adopt him.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Belfast, a family's beloved pet - a dog who has never spent so much as a day in a boarding kennel -- remains locked in a small dank cell surrounded by sawdust and feces, a victim of misused policy and a few humans who would rather see him put to death than admit a mistake. Now, that's a crime.
Save Lennox Campaign on Facebook / Official Save Lennox blog
That was nearly two years ago. Since then, in spite of massive worldwide outcry, including pleas from noted dog behavioral experts and celebrities, a petition that now bears over 127,000 signatures, and a growing "Boycott Belfast " movement, Lennox has been held in a secret location while the family pitches a desperate legal battle for his life.
It's no exaggeration to say that prosecution case against Lennox has been rife with inconsistencies, errors, and even accusations of perjury. The absurd twists and cast of characters could make this case darkly comic -- Samuel Butler or Dickens would have had a romp with it -- if it didn't ultimately hinge on one innocent life, and the suffering of a heartbroken girl.
One would think the case would have been put to bed in September 2011, after two expert animal behaviorists, Sarah Fisher and David Ryan, presented the results of their separate, extensive evaluations of Lennox. Both came to the conclusion that Lennox is friendly and of no danger, and presented these reports to the court.
Inexplicably, the judge dismissed those evaluations, and instead relied on the opinion of one Peter Tallack, a police dog handler and noted supporter of the DDA, whose official role in the case was simply "breed identifier." In a quirky bit of testimony, a flustered Tallack offered the opinion that Lennox was "waiting to go off,"
Apparently using this as the basis, Judge Rodgers called Lennox "a disaster waiting to happen" in a ruling that upheld Lennox's death sentence not on the basis of any past or current behavior, but on a projection that he might be aggressive at some point in the future. (Imagine if a human defendant were convicted on these grounds!)
When the defense appealed again in late January of this year, the case was reviewed by the very same Judge Rodgers, who - surprise - chose not to overturn his own ruling.
Outrage sums up the reaction of Victoria Stilwell, celebrity dog trainer and host of the program "It's Me or the Dog," with whom I spoke earlier this year. Stilwell has been outspoken in her support for Lennox, devoting a number of articles and a podcast to it, and against breed specific legislation in general (which she sums up as "addressing the wrong end of the leash"). Stilwell has studied the video assessments of Lennox and reviewed Sarah Fisher's report, and simply can't believe the judge would have taken the word of Tallack - who is, by his own admission, not a behaviorist - over the the opinions of two highly regarded professionals.
Concurring with Stilwell is Jim Crosby, a dog trainer and expert in canine aggression. By his account, he has personally assessed more dogs involved in fatal attacks than anyone else on the planet. He stresses that breed is most certainly not a factor in determining whether a dog is dangerous or not; it is the individual characteristics of a dog. This is a man who knows aggressive animals, and he cries foul in the Lennox case. "This poor dog didn't do anything, he was minding his own business, happily at home," he said in a January conversation. "That's the baffling thing."
Also like Stilwell, Crosby questions why the testimony of Tallack, a police dog handler, was given credence by the judge. He says to have someone with Tallack's highly focused skill set evaluate a family dog like Lennox for aggressive tendencies is "like asking a guy who works on Piper plane to repair the space shuttle." It's a very different type of dog in a completely different situation.
Both Stilwell and Crosby continue to speak out passionately about the Lennox case, and Stilwell has especially expressed alarm over evidence that Lennox's health is deteriorating further, based on photo evidence showing massive hair loss and sores.
A final appeal to high court is set for May 24. If it is ruled that Lennox cannot be returned to his family, the defense is asking at least to allow a friendly party in the Republic of Ireland (where there is no breed specific legislation) to adopt him.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Belfast, a family's beloved pet - a dog who has never spent so much as a day in a boarding kennel -- remains locked in a small dank cell surrounded by sawdust and feces, a victim of misused policy and a few humans who would rather see him put to death than admit a mistake. Now, that's a crime.
Save Lennox Campaign on Facebook / Official Save Lennox blog
No Justice, No Mercy for Lennox the Dog in Belfast
by Joan K. Smith for Huffington Post - posted June 13, 2012
Last month I wrote about Lennox (see previous article), the well-behaved Belfast family pet sentenced to death under the U.K.'s breed specific legislation (BSL) because of his resemblance to what is known as a "Pit Bull Type." Supporters have been holding their breath since May 24, when the court declared it would announce in a few weeks whether Lennox's owners would be allowed to lodge one final, last-ditch appeal. Due to a number of flaws and inconsistencies in the case -- not to mention the fact that the first appeal was reviewed and denied by the very same judge who handed down an earlier sentence -- there was reason to hope that the higher court judges would find reasonable grounds to hear this appeal.
This morning, devastating news quickly spread across the internet: Case lost. Request for appeal denied. A high court in Northern Ireland did the unthinkable, and upheld Lennox's death sentence, clearing the way for what is kindly described as his "euthanization."
Never mind a massive, highly vocal world outcry -- coming from over 128,000 petitioners , plus virtually every respected dog expert and a gaggle of celebrities. Never mind the in-depth evaluations of not one, but two highly regarded canine behaviorists, who judged him friendly and posing no danger to anyone. Never mind a confirmed adoptive home ready in the Republic of Ireland as a "plan B" option. Never mind conflicting testimony of city dog wardens, and even photo evidence that flies in the face of warden Alexandra Lightfoot's contention that she is afraid of Lennox. Never mind that an earlier "appeal" was heard not by an impartial party but by the same judge who handed down the original ruling. Never mind a growing "Boycott Belfast " movement that threatens the city's much-promoted tourist industry (a boycott petition put online today has already garnered over 8,000 signatures).
All reason apparently fell on deaf ears at the Belfast Court of Appeal, so, barring a miracle, Lennox -- a family pet, a young girl's "bestest friend in the world," an animal who has committed no crime other than having the physical traits of what is known as "Pit Bull Type" -- is to be put to death, yet another victim of BSL. It is reported that even the family's request to see him one last time has been rejected (the Barnes have been barred from seeing Lennox -- or even knowing where he has been held -- since he was unexpectedly wrenched from their home in May of 2010).
Supporters worldwide who have been working long and hard to raise awareness and convince Belfast City Council to release Lennox have flooded social media in anguished protest. Victoria Stilwell -- renowned dog trainer, author and host of the program It's Me or the Dog -- who has been particularly vocal in support for the Barnes family during this case and an outspoken opponent of BSL, posted a heartfelt statement on her Facebook page :
Devastating and unjust... 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.
Meanwhile Belfast City Council appears to be working overtime in removing protest comments from their Facebook wall as fast as they are posted, and contrary to their contentions of "abuse" and "an online hate campaign" by Lennox supporters (a claim they made publicly in late May), almost all of those posting in protest are, although expressing frank anger, adhering to the Barnes' family's continued public request to refrain from aggressive or hateful comments against Council or the judges.
Yet as it has from the beginning of this very sad case, Belfast city government seems committed to focusing on harassment claims as a bit of smoke and mirror distraction from the basic facts, as if it should be used as a deciding factor for this life or death case. This morning, in response to a phone request, I received this rather telling email from their press officer:
The council believes that today's ruling is the right decision and that it again vindicates the actions of our staff who, while simply carrying out the legal requirements of their job, have had to endure a relentless campaign of intimidation and abuse. END.Instead of addressing what they consider the merits of the case itself, Belfast City Council focuses on the political aspects -- such as the need to "vindicate" their staff -- while once again bringing out claims of "abuse" as perhaps some kind of justification for the decision.
This one brief statement speaks volumes (unintentionally, I'm sure) about what has long appeared to be the real force behind Belfast City Council's fight to put down Lennox: the stubborn protection of political pride and reputation. If Lennox is killed, this wll become Belfast City Council's legacy.
Please sign the petitions:
Belfast protest over Lennox destruction
Supporters of Lennox - the dog condemned to destruction after being judged a dangerous, pitbull-type breed - have held a protest in Belfast.
by UTV Belfast - posted July 7, 2012
The demonstration outside City Hall on Saturday afternoon comes after it emerged that the animal is due to be put down at the start of next week.
It follows a long-running legal battle between the owners of Lennox and Belfast City Council, which has been drawn out over the two years since he was seized by council dog wardens - and has grabbed the attention of animal lovers around the world.
Campaigners said people have flown to Northern Ireland from the United States, England, Dublin and "many other locations" to take part in the peaceful rally.
It is understood a further protest will take place in New York City on Monday.
Celebrity experts like Cesar Millan and Victoria Stilwell have also shown their support for the 'Save Lennox' campaign.
However the family last week admitted defeat and said there is nothing more they can do from a legal point of view, and that the dog "may well be killed".
Last month, senior judges sitting in the Court of Appeal backed the verdict of a County Court judge who had made an earlier ruling that Lennox could not be made safe.
Lord Justice Paul Girvan, sitting with Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan and Lord Justice Malachy Higgins, set out how dog wardens trying to examine Lennox in May 2010 had been told that the dog would "rip their head off".
While an expert dog handler retained by Mrs Barnes described Lennox as a well-handled family dog, an expert for the City Council concluded that the animal had a severe personality defect.
Lennox's family have since been advised by their legal team that there are no grounds for any further appeal.
The demonstration outside City Hall on Saturday afternoon comes after it emerged that the animal is due to be put down at the start of next week.
It follows a long-running legal battle between the owners of Lennox and Belfast City Council, which has been drawn out over the two years since he was seized by council dog wardens - and has grabbed the attention of animal lovers around the world.
Campaigners said people have flown to Northern Ireland from the United States, England, Dublin and "many other locations" to take part in the peaceful rally.
It is understood a further protest will take place in New York City on Monday.
Celebrity experts like Cesar Millan and Victoria Stilwell have also shown their support for the 'Save Lennox' campaign.
However the family last week admitted defeat and said there is nothing more they can do from a legal point of view, and that the dog "may well be killed".
Last month, senior judges sitting in the Court of Appeal backed the verdict of a County Court judge who had made an earlier ruling that Lennox could not be made safe.
Lord Justice Paul Girvan, sitting with Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan and Lord Justice Malachy Higgins, set out how dog wardens trying to examine Lennox in May 2010 had been told that the dog would "rip their head off".
While an expert dog handler retained by Mrs Barnes described Lennox as a well-handled family dog, an expert for the City Council concluded that the animal had a severe personality defect.
Lennox's family have since been advised by their legal team that there are no grounds for any further appeal.
Free Lennox Protest on 07/07/2012
protesters flown in from the States,
England and Dublin
By Jim Gold, msnbc.com
A two-year effort to save Lennox, a death-row dog whose owners say was mistaken for a pitbull, sparked an international protest Saturday in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the animal is slated to be euthanized next week, according to media reports.
UTV in Belfast reported that protesters had flown in from the U.S., England and Dublin.
Protesters organized by No Kill New York animal-saving group plan to target British and Irish consulates Monday in New York to prevent the dog's killing.
The Belfast City Council declared Lennox had a severe personality disorder but his owners, the Barnes family, say he is a well-handled family pet.
The 7-year-old dog was seized in 2010 as a breed banned under the UK’s Dangerous Dog act.
The dog’s owners say he is an American bulldog-Labrador cross, but dog wardens after measuring his legs and snout declared him a “possible pitbull type.”
No complaints had been made against the dog, according to media reports.
The Court of Appeal last month rejected a plea spare the dog, being held in a secret location, the Belfast Telegraph reported.
Protesters say they are trying to raise awareness not only about Lennox but also to show that “breed specific legislation” is unfair.
Lennox’s plight is documented on a Save Lennox website and on a Facebook page with more than 75,000 fans. Expressions supporting the dog are also posted on Twitter.
The dog’s cause also is championed by Victoria Stilwell of “It’s Me or the Dog” on the Animal Planet network.
Stillwell is consulting with the Barnes family and with Belfast officials to stop the euthanizing and allow the dog to be brought to a new home in the United States.
“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,” Stillwell posted on her website. “Indeed, the latest news is that he is scheduled to be euthanized next week. My heart goes out to Craig, Caroline and Brooke [Barnes] for what they are enduring.”
Stillwell has yet to hear back about her efforts, she wrote.
The Barnes family, in a statement posted on Facebook and the Save Lennox website, wrote, “the fight to spare Lennox’s life may well be over. It has been almost impossible for us to accept that we have to admit defeat.”
July 10, 2012 - The official "Save Lennox" Facebook page has just released a solemn statement about Lennox's fate:
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.
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.
