I know that it's been months since I've written and I have a lot of nerve asking you to read this. But the truth is I didn't have anything important to say until today.
Have you seen any of the news regarding a dog named Lennox? He was a dog in Belfast, Ireland. Yes, I said that he WAS.
Two years ago, officials of Belfast determined that Lennox was a public danger according to the UK's dangerous dog laws, and they seized him from his home. Seized him from his family.
Lennox had no history of aggression.
Lennox was not a Pit Bull.
He was just the family dog. He happened to have a big head and short hair, traits associated with Pit Bulls but traits certainly not exclusive to the breed.
Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is essentially writing into law stereotypes. It assumes that just because a dog looks a certain way, it means that they act a certain way.
Has anyone ever had more than one dog of the same breed? Wouldn't you say that they each had different personalities?
My two dogs are from the same litter. Their personalities are like night and day.
For two years, Lennox's family and animal rights activists around the world fought for his life to be spared. Early this morning, he was put to sleep.
Because he had a big head and short hair.
My heart goes out to the family. Dogs in our house are absolutely part of our family. We happened to adopt them, but it doesn't mean we love them any less.
I hope the Barnes family finds peace knowing that he's no longer in the horrendous conditions of the pound. He may no longer be with us but I'm positive he's chasing squirrels or bunnies or balls--whichever was his favorite--somewhere, waiting for the day to be reunited with his family.
Overwhelmed with emotion for a dog I had never met before, I made this video in his honor. No one should have to lose a family member this way. Hopefully, this story will help spread awareness about BSL, and the real consequences of it.
BSL doesn't solve the problem of irresponsible ownership. It only hurts responsible owners.
Punish the deed, not the breed.
