A puppy being kept in kennels ahead of a decision on euthanasia is to receive an independent assessment following a campaign for him to be released.
Lisburn and Castlereagh Council agreed at an urgent meeting last night to allow further assessment of seven-month-old Max, who has been previously assessed as a ‘pit bull type’ breed.
At last night’s meeting the council agreed a change of direction to co-operate with the USPCA on agreeing a third party assessor of the dog.
USPCA chief executive, Nora Smith said: “This is a real power to the people moment for Max.
“His welfare has really caught the hearts of the public and without their support we would probably already have a very tragic outcome for Max.
“I would like to acknowledge the support of the public who through public outcry, demonstrations, contacting their local councillors, signing petitions and making donations, have given Max the opportunity to potentially live the life that he deserves.”
Over 13,000 people have now signed an online petitiontso save Max with almost 300 people turning out in a public protest at the council HQ at Lagan Valley Island on Saturday.
Max was found in Dundonald in early December and had been condemned to be euthanised after two council dog wardens deemed he was a banned type under Breed Specific Legislation (BSL).
A third party assessor was brought over from England by LCCC and assessed Max as a nine month old Pit Bull type breed.
However, the assessor had not been agreed with the USPCA which generated a potential legal challenge delivered in chambers to Lagan Valley Island.
More than £10k has since been raised as campaigners and the USPCA began to engage in a legal route to fight Max’s case.
Ms Smith said: “We believe that the BSL now needs repealed. It is not about the look of a dog that should determine its fate, but its actions and ultimately that is the responsibility of the owner.”
According to Castlereagh East DUP Alderman Sharon Skillen’s social media posts, the original owner of Max has contacted LCCC and is helping with enquiries. Ms Skillen has made an appeal to locate the last known owner of Max somewhere in the Dundonald area.
A spokesperson for Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said: “The council continues to give careful consideration to the case of the abandoned dog, known as Max. Members attended an urgent meeting on Monday evening to discuss the latest position and next steps.
“We are continuing to engage closely with the USPCA and it has been agreed that a further assessment will be conducted by one of their recommended experts as soon as possible. Max remains safe and well and no further action is currently planned.”