Councillors have visited a ‘death row’ dog to ensure he is being well looked after amid an ongoing public campaign to save the puppy from being put down.
Max was found in Dundonald in early December, and is due to be put to sleep after two council dog wardens deemed he was a Pit Bull Terrier under Breed Specific Legislation (BSL).
However, following a public outcry on social media to save the dog, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) will meet with the USPCA this week to discuss an independent third party assessor, who will determine Max’s fate.
On Saturday, LCCC environment committee chairperson Pat Catney (SDLP) was able to inspect seven month old Max and his living conditions at Nutts Corner Boarding Kennels since December 9.
Mr Catney said: “I have had a lot of emails in about the little puppy Max. I came down unannounced and I have to say I am very impressed at the way Max is being looked after.”
Deputy environment chairperson Gary Hynds also visited the kennels.
An online petition calling for ‘Mercy for Max’ was started just before Christmas and has gained over 12,000 signatures calling for the dog’s release amid a USPCA request to foster the dog out until an independent third party can assess the dog’s breed.
Members of the public on Facebook have raised questions about Max’s living conditions while others have accused the local authority of “playing God” in actions described as “death by tape measure”.
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A council director, in chambers, has since poured cold water on proposals to foster Max out due to legislation on proscribed breeds.
It’s understood the original owner of Max has been contacted by the council, but has refused to take the microchipped pet back.
Mr Catney added: “The kennels have all been washed out and cleaned. The manager had no problems bringing me in and showing me round the kennels.
“I have to say that all of the five principles for the maintenance and looking after of little dogs and Max have been met. I am actually quite shocked at the cleanliness of the place.”
The five freedoms of animal welfare present a standard of care that is followed across the globe. Included in the UK Government’s Animal Welfare Act 2006, they state that every living being deserves the right to humane treatment.
These include freedom from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain, injury or disease, fear and distress, and freedom to express normal behaviour.
In a tweet, Mr Hynds said: “He was so affectionate and friendly, and is being well looked after. We must get this situation resolved ASAP, though, especially for wee Max. I continue to encourage the council to work closely with the USPCA to agree on a third-party assessor, making sure we get this right and to ensure public confidence.
“The wider issue of the current legislation must also be urgently reviewed by the minister and his department.”
In 2012, Belfast City Council put down seven year old pitbull type dog Lennox despite almost 200,000 people signing a petition to save him.