For all who don’t know and for those who do know about the death of Lennox, the dog from Northern Ireland who was allegedly killed on July 11th, I feel too many are missing the real meaning of his legacy.
Lennox resembled a pit bull/mix and a dog warden entered the home where Lennox resided in 2010 and took his measurements and stated that they (tape meaurements) were similar to those of a Pit Bull. Since Belfast has an ordinance in place that forbids Pit Bulls (types), Lennox was taken from his home and from the family that loved him despite not doing anything wrong.
It’s called Breed Specific Legislation a.k.a BSL. It deems a certain breed is dangerous and will have the tendency to possess aggressive behavior. Here is what BSL advocates have to say about it. Taken from Antibsl.com:
>> The Breed?: Proponents of BSL usually cite the need to protect the public from dog breeds viewed to have inherent tendencies to aggressive behavior. Many tend to believe that dangerous dogs must be certain breeds in order to make them this way. Some proponents believe that a pit bull has superior jaw strength, different muscular ability, and the like. However, the idea that a pit bull has superior jaw strength is a complete myth. Interestingly this myth was also supposedly true for Doberman Pinschers, but now it is no longer considered true for the Doberman. The musculature assertion is also false. Consider that while the American Pit Bull Terrier does well in weight pull competitions, it is by no means superior in that other breeds in the same weight classes have beaten these dogs.
1. (source) Dr. Brisbin, as well as the other experts, testified that pit bulls do not have locking jaws. Based on actual dog dissections and measurement of their skulls, the evidence demonstrated that pit bull jaw muscles and bone structure are the same as othersimilarly sized dogs. No evidence was presented to demonstrate that a pit bull’s bite is any stronger than other dogs of its size and build. He stated that, contrary to information relied upon and perpetuated by earlier case law2 and law review articles,3 assertions that a pit bull can bite with a “force of 2,000 pounds per square inch” have absolutely no basis in fact or scientific proof. The testing of dog bite strength has never been done, and would be difficult if not impossible to perform.
Lennox was locked away for two years in a small cell while a legal war waged on his behalf. The family explored every legal avenue. Celebrities were involved as well as animal advocates across the world. Because of social media, news outlets spoke of Lennox’s fate. The First Minister of Northern Ireland made a plea to save Lennox’s life. The answer was no. Victoria Stilwell, host of “It’s Me or the Dog” on Animal Planet made a plea to the Belfast City Council. They refused to see her and threatened to sue her.
In the end, a dog, the government considered a Pit Bull and dangerous, was neither. Two DNA tests proved he was a Labrador/Am. Bulldog mix. Two behavior experts tested Lennox and no aggression was found. Nothing that was done to prove Lennox was a safe dog helped to save his life. Not even rehoming in the U.S. could sway the council.
The decision was made. It was made a long time ago, in my opinion. The family’s request to see him before he was “euthanized” was denied as was retrieving his body as well as his collar. The family was told they may get some of his ashes in the mail. Hear what Victoria Stillwell says about how Lennox’s family was notified of his “death.”
I feel Lennox had either died on his own or he was killed by their hands awhile ago. To not allow the family to see their beloved Lennox before he died, nor to have his body certainly seems to point into the direction of a cover-up. So, Lennox died without seeing his loving family for the last two years of his life. God only knows how he was treated or died. And, for what reason? Because he was a Pit Bull? No. Because he was aggressive? No. Then why? I don’t know!
I understand the anger and the furor caused by Lennox’s death. I feel for the family and I felt for Lennox who was kept apart from them including the 11 yr. old disabled daughter he helped. He was considered her therapy dog. Would a family allow an aggressive dog to be around a disabled girl? I think not!
People are enraged and rightly so. Lennox did not and should not have died. The powers that be decided they were going to do what they wanted to do and not do what was right or humane. This is a true case of injustice. People have threatened the Belfast City Council with Victoria Stilwell asking them not to proceed that way. I agree.
People are asking others to boycott activities happening in Belfast. While I agree a statement needs to be made and an investigation is most definitely warranted, I think people need to take a step back and learn from Lennox’s death.
Lennox was killed because he was proclaimed to be a Pit Bull. Tests proved otherwise but that didn’t matter. A dog warden came into the house and physically removed Lennox from his home and the family who will always love him because of BSL.
We need to look at the bigger picture. If this can be done in Northern Ireland, how soon will it take for it to happen where you live? Do you want the government telling you what breed of dog you are allowed to have? Do you want the government to come into your home and take away your beloved companion? I certainly don’t and I wouldn’t allow it!
Who has the right to say what dogs are dangerous? All dogs have the propensity to bite. Some small dog breeds can be quite nasty and dangerous in the wrong hands. FACT. At one time, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers were considered to be the dangerous dog of choice. What breed will be next?
Pit Bulls are the number one breed of dog killed in shelters all across the nation. Why? Because people like Michael Vick and drug dealers literally train them to be aggressive and dangerous. Pit Bulls are loving and loyal animals in the right hands. This breed is not for everyone and you need a thorough knowledge of the breed before adopting one. Same goes for other breeds. Do you want a high-strung dog if you are a docile person? Don’t get a Jack Russell Terrier. Do you want a lap dog that doesn’t require much exercise? Don’t get a Labrador Retriever or German Shephard. You must understand the breed of dog BEFORE adopting!
If another country can enact BSL and kill for no real reason, how soon will it take the U.S. to do the same? I think that is the bigger picture to take away from Lennox’s legacy.
The moral of Lennox’s death is that BSL is real and at anytime we will have similar stories happening in the United States. Don’t you think we should be concerned about our own country instead of or in addition to boycotting Ireland? We need to take action to stop BSL before someone comes into your home, takes measurements of your dog and removes your beloved four-legged companion.
RIP Lennox. You and all of the Pit Bulls who have died because of the breed will not have died in vain.