The future of a seven-month-old puppy continues to hang by a thread after a local council refused to support a motion calling for an independent assessment last night.
Independent councillor Gary Hynds has asked the council to agree to an urgent independent assessment of Max, who the council have been told is a French bulldog/Staffy cross.
He said he was “baffled” by the council’s refusal to agree to that assessment, which could have brought a quick end to a row which has now been going on for a month since the dog was found abandoned in Dundonald on December 10.
Max remains in kennels awaiting a decision on his future, after the council previously relented on a decision on euthanasia before Christmas after an online campaign and petition to save the dog’s life. The petition has now been signed by almost 12,000 people.
Animal welfare group, the USPCA, have said Max must be assessed independently before any decision is made, but Mr Hynds said his motion to allow that to happen, with agreement between all parties, has been rejected.
“It seemed to be a sensible course of action,” he said.
“A reasonable agreement between all involved to sort out this matter which has dragged on for weeks.
“Agreeing to an independent assessment would have restored some faith from the public in the council over the way the case of Max has been handled. This has been a very negative process so far for all involved.
Lisburn and Castlereagh Independent Councillor Gary Hynds
“When I first heard about the case of Max, I was concerned. As a council and councillors, we received very clear concerns and advice quickly provided by the USPCA. We should be following their advice, and I have said so both in the chamber and to council officers.
“It’s disappointing that hasn’t been the case to date. I am still hoping this can be fully resolved very soon. It’s OK to admit you get things wrong at times, if you correct the wrong, and that’s a position the council is in.
“We need to work with the USPCA and do the right thing on this as soon as possible.”
Lisburn and Castlereagh Council has not commented publicly since before Christmas when it said it has been “carefully considering the circumstances surrounding the abandoned dog which was collected on December 10”.
In December, wardens deemed Max as a ‘banned breed’ but had committed to an independent assessment “as early as possible in the New Year”.
“We are very mindful of the significant public commentary and concern surrounding this issue,” the Council added.
“The dog is currently safe and secure and will be looked after in a DAERA-approved kennel until the testing is complete. The legislation is clear that the dog cannot be temporarily re-homed as it has been identified as a banned breed.
“We understand that this is a very distressing situation. We are committed to ensuring that all necessary measures are taken and that we are compliant with relevant legislation in the interests of public safety.”
Campaigner Zara Duncan said she’s been left “heartbroken all over again” as Max will now remain in kennels, despite a “forever home” already lined up to care for him.
“It’s deeply disappointing that the seeming support of councillors did not transpire to back this crucial proposal,” she said after the motion was rejected.
“This proposal would have ensured Max had a right to a fair assessment. This has been ignored.”
The USPCA said it is continuing to engage with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council on Max’s future.
“The USPCA is aware of the current situation involving Max, the puppy who is presently being held at a Council pound awaiting re-assessment,” the charity said.
“Our primary concern is the wellbeing of Max, and we are fully committed to ensuring that this process is handled with the utmost care, professionalism, and in line with the best interests of the animal.
“We understand that a critical next step in Max’s case is the re-assessment process, and we urge the Council to work in close partnership with the USPCA to agree on an impartial third-party assessor.
“This collaboration will ensure that the re-assessment is thorough, unbiased, and conducted by an individual or organisation with the expertise needed to make an informed decision.
“At the USPCA, we firmly believe in the importance of a fair and transparent process. We are dedicated to working alongside the relevant authorities and all involved parties to ensure that Max’s future is decided in a manner that reflects his needs, safety, and welfare.
“The outcome of this re-assessment will not only impact Max’s future but also set an important precedent for how similar cases are managed moving forward.”