Yesterday, an article regarding the formal statement issued by the Barnes' family in connection with their beloved dog, Lennox, was published here. The family has had to face the heartbreaking reality that there are simply no further legal avenues to take with Lennox's case, and now they must make one final hopeful appeal to simply save his life. Friends of the Barnes' family are now asking that advocates send e-mails to the Belfast City Council to allow Lennox to move to the United States to live out the rest of his life.
You can read the entire background of Lennox's story at the links provided at the end of this article. The Barnes family is so devoted to Lennox that they have waged a two-year legal battle, fighting every step of the way to try to bring their beloved dog back home to them, after he had been seized back in May of 2010. Sadly, the last appeal that was made was rejected, and the lower court's order that Lennox must be killed has been upheld.
The family consulted with their legal counsel, but there was simply nowhere else within the legal system to take Lennox's case. Taking it to the Supreme Court would not guarantee that the case would even be heard. It would also mean that Lennox would be forced to continue to languish in isolation, which is simply too cruel for the family to even think about, since he has already endured this for over two years.
Jeff Coltenback, an amazing advocate from Bloomfield, N.J. who has 20 years of dog training and rescue experience, has made numerous offers to the Belfast City Council to have Lennox come to live with him. He has told the BCC that this would cost them nothing, as he would cover all the expenses of moving Lennox to America. Unfortunately so far, he has not received even an acknowledgement of his letters. He has now sent one last letter, appealing to the BCC to allow Lennox to move to the United States, and come to live as part of his family in New Jersey.
Fellow advocates are now asking that all advocates who have spoken out to support them in their fight to save Lennox make one final effort by writing to the BCC, asking them to look favorably on Mr. Coltenback's offer. While Lennox would never be allowed to come home to his original family, at least he would be allowed to live, and would be able to spend the rest of his life as a beloved family member in a new home. That is the best possible solution to this heartbreaking situation.
There is some suggested wording given at the Facebook site "An E-mail to Save Lennox". Keep in mind that your own words can carry a lot of weight, however. Many times those in authority will cast aside "canned" letters, but will actually take original letters into serious consideration. A suggestion would be to write a combination of both your own words, along with the wording suggested at the website. This could be very effective and have a positive impact on the decision by the BCC.
Please consider adding your voice to help save Lennox. Send your polite, but firm e-mails to:
There have been almost 170,400 signatures on the petition to save Lennox. It would be impossible for the BCC to ignore that same number of e-mail pleas for mercy for Lennox now.
Lennox has never lifted a paw in harm to anyone. His only crime has been the way he looks, and the tragic numbers from the seamstress' tape measure that doomed him as a dog "of type" under the Dangerous Dog Act; the United Kingdom's version of breed-specific legislation. Please do this one last thing to help save this precious life.
Hold on Lennox and do not give up. Advocates will step up now to be your voice, and do whatever is possible to save your life.
Related links:
Click here for the suggested wording at the Facebook page: "An E-mail to Save Lennox".
Prior articles about Lennox:
Click here for the original March 30, 2011 article: "Lennox – Death by tape measure?"
Click here for the May 19, 2011 three-part series: "Lennox – Still waiting one year later".
Click here for the October 2, 2011 article: "Lennox: One last gasp of hope to save his life".
Click here for the December 6, 2011 article: "A little girl's Christmas wish: Bring Lennox home".
Click here for the July 2, 2012 article: "Lennox's family forced to admit probable legal defeat."
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