If you don't know, I'm talking about Lennox. Lennox was, according to all documentation and DNA testing, a cross between an American Bulldog and a Labrador Retriever. Two lovely North American breeds, the second of which is not common in Europe. But, based on his looks and an arbitrary measurement of his head he was seized from his family two years ago and this week lost his life to the political body known as the Belfast City Council.
For two years Lennox's family, including the little girl for who he was a service dog, battled the Belfast City Council in the courts and lost at every step. The longer it went on, the story spread. It spread until this past week when there were worldwide demonstrations asking that if they wouldn't return Lennox to his family would they release him to be rehomed to a location that wouldn't discriminate against him because of his "looks". The answer was a definitive no.
What shames me even more is that this could just as easily have happened in my home province of Ontario, Canada. It's called Breed Specific Legislation and what's really ridiculous is that it's not breed specific at all. It was enacted to encompass a group of "pit bull type" breeds with no definition of what that is or training for those expected to uphold this law. This means that any number of other breeds including Boxers could, and have been seized because they "looked like a pit bull" to the person who took them.
This means that every time a person asks me if my dog is a pit bull I not only tell them no, he's a Boxer, but I point out the physical characteristics that make him what he is. But you know what? That might not be enough because Boxers all share a bully ancestor with the breeds that have been banned. Please, support Cheri DiNovo, Member of Provincial Parliament for Parkdale-High Park (Toronto), in removing all aspects of Breed Specific Legislation in Ontario.
Wednesday night the Brindle and I lit our candles. This is something we, and many others on the BML, do when one of our own passes. Lennox was one of our own and we are Lennox.
I would like to leave you with the words of Cesar Millan:
"My kids are around pit bulls every day. In the '70s they blamed Dobermans, in the '80s they blamed German Shepherds, in the '90s they blamed the Rottweiler. Now they blame the pit bull."
Well said, Carrie, well said! My heart still goes out to Lennox's family ....
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Carrie: this is a prime example of people not looking at the facts; instead they stay the course just so they won't have to admit they are wrong.
ReplyDeleteBless Lennox's heart ... he deserved better ... much better.
I was asked to join an event on FB called I AM LENNOX. I put the link that comes up on my computer to get to it, but am not sure everyone can get to this or not. They ask that you put a picture of your dog and add the words, "I AM LENNOX". It looks like it's getting lots of response. I posted Izzy on it. See below for more information.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/events/262102540562924/
Please post your pics of your dogs who can fall under the BSL BS with the words I AM LENNOX All of our dogs are Lennox.
For those who are unsure of BSL and what it is here is a brief synopsis of it
http://animalrights.about.com/od/companionanimalspets/g/What-Is-Breed-Specific-Legislation-And-Whats-Wrong-With-It.htm
WE WILL KEEP THIS EVENT GOING AS LONG AS IT NEEDS TO BE
Just because your dog does not fll under BSL today does not mean it wont tomorrow. ll of our dogs my some day be Lennox
REMINDER: You do not need to have a dog to attend this event which is completely on line.....Just supporting us in being a voice for a dog unjustly killed and a little girls whos companion was stolen from her. It could be your brother, sister, niece, nephew, or friend it can happen to next
Laurie Lamb
Beautifully said, dear friend. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI loved your comments and will continue to fight against BSL everywhere it exists. Luckily, I live in a place where it does not but wrong is wrong whether it is outside your front door, a few states over or half way across the world.
ReplyDelete