Ovr 11,000 have signed a petition calling for the release of Max the Dog from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council care.
Max, who is believed to be around five to seven months old, was seized by the council at the start of December last year with it being determined that Max was going to be put down as he was believed to be a banned breed.
However, this move was stopped following an intervention from concerned dog lovers across Northern Ireland, local politicians and the USPCA, who have said that due to Max’s age he cannot be properly assessed.
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The USPCA has been engaging with the council as it calls for Max’s release to a foster family until he can be assessed by an independent third party.
There had been hope that the dog would not have to spend the Christmas and New Year period out of the pound, but the young dog was not released by the council.
A petition started by Rosie Cummings calling for Max’s release has received over 11,000 signatures since it was started on December 18, 2024, with campaigners saying they will continue to fight for Max’s release.
Althought the USPCA has said that Max cannot be properly assessed yet due to his age, LCCC says that it has identified him as a banned breed and cannot release him to a foster family as a result of this.
The last statement from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council regarding Max said: “The council has been carefully considering the circumstances surrounding the abandoned dog which was collected on 10 December 2024.
“We are very mindful of the significant public commentary and concern surrounding this issue.
“At the council meeting on 17 December, it was agreed to arrange an additional assessment to provide further assurance on the identification of the breed. We will appoint an independent, external agency to complete this assessment as early as possible in the New Year.
“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. It would be considered an offence for the council to place this dog in the care of any individual or family. No action will be taken until further assessment is complete.
“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.
“We would urge anyone who may own this dog to please contact 028 9244 7397.”
If you would like to support the petition calling for Max’s release you can do so via this link.
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