Jul
Northern Ireland Shamed by Treatment of Death Row Dog, Bruce
The comments coming from around the world on the desperate plight of Bruce, a dog condemned to die by the law for no other reason that the way he looks, have brought shame to the United Kindom for its continued use of breed specific legislation. As Bruce’s deadly situation has captured the attention and worry of dog lovers all around the world, it offers a sad and embarassing glimpse in to a law which has taken innocent lives ever since its inception in 1991.
The UK is currently (rightly) in uproar about the deaths of two police dogs, left to swelter in a parked car on one of the hottest days of the year. But their deaths are heavily and shamefully outnumbered by the countless corpses of dogs who have been intentionally killed by the UK Government.
If you are a British politician and you sit idly by as MILLIONS of pounds of tax payer’s money is sloshed up the wall trying to enforce a law that even the enforcers accept is literally impossible to maintain – never, ever try and claim to be an animal lover if you refuse to act and use your influence to remove breed specific legislation from the statute books NOW.
If you are a tax payer, you have a RIGHT to demand your money be well spent. The 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act has:
- NOT reduced dog attacks
- NOT saved lives
- NOT been possible to implement
- NOT been properly administered (because it can’t be)
- NOT been effective in any way, shape or form
- and now is NOT even attempted to be defended by the legislators responsible for it
Bruce’s life still hangs in the balance. But what’s not in question any longer is that the United Kingdom can never, ever claim to call itself a nation of animal lovers if it intends to systematically kill dogs for NO other reason that what their parents were or what they happened to be born looking like.
If you weren’t aware, two perfectly legal dog breeds can (and do) produce offspring which are deemed illegal.
For example, a Boxer x Staffordshire Bull Terrier can produce a ‘Pit Bull type’ as can any number of other combinations. And so our response to that occurence should be what? To kill the dogs?
Our dangerous dogs laws are not only ineffective, costly and downright cruel – they are a national embarassment. Just take a look….
The RSPCA, USPCA, British Government and Northern Ireland Assembly ALL continually urge the public to place appropriate value on animal welfare.
What sort of example are they setting if they kill this dog when the offer for him to live legally in Eire is on the table?
What role model is government projecting when it kills WITHOUT NEED?
PLEASE do the right and humane thing and save this poor creature who has already suffered so much when he has done nothing wrong. We only ask that he be allowed to go where it is legal for him to be and not be killed senselessly. There is absolutely no reason that this can’t happen as it would cause no one harm for him to leave. We ask you for sweet Bruce.
I am appauled at a country that shows such indifference towards animal. This dog has a place to go to live out his life free. Haven’t they tormented this animal long enough. Are the egos of the judges/Ministers in Ireland so large that it overshadows the heart.
There is no justification in killing this dog Bruce.Are you ashamed of the fact that through your ill equipped holding system and obviously ignorant and insensitive staff Bruce has suffered both mentaly and physically.Do you not want the extent of your neglect to become common knowledge IS THIS THE REASON FOR THE DESTRUCTION ORDER. As part of the UK you should adhere to common scense and parden this dog who at least has a bolt hole.
I can’t believe people still cling to the bigoted “it looks like a pit so it must be dangerous” ignorance. How would you like to be jailed because “you’re Irish so therefore you must be IRA”? Stop generalizing and let that dog go home to his family. HE DID NOTHING WRONG!
And voters, I’d take a second long, hard look at such arbitrary and uninformed officials; you need to elect someone who knows a hawk from a handsaw.
What the hell kind of country are you running over there ?
Im from the United States and have always loved Ireland.
Have been there many times, since I married and Irishmen. I will tell you this. I will never return until the BSL law is overturned. It is unjust and downright awful.
To allow this to happen to an innocent , is outrageous.FREE BRUCE IMMEDIATLY!
Well that is it for me. I had a trip booked for Ireland in the Fall. I will take the loss of my non refundable ticket. As long as there are BSL laws , I will not visit. Will also advise all my friends and family to also stay away from Ireland.
I can’t imagine any country that would make a poor dog suffer like Ireland has made Bruce suffer. He’s a living creature, for Gods sake man, if you keep on this barbaric road, your children might be next, because he’s lousy in math or some sort of crap like that.
What is particularly disgusting is the treatment this dog has received whilst in care – how can people be so cruel as to allow open sores and wounds to go untreated – the dog will have been damaged mentally and physically and there is no excuse for it – these people should be taken to task. Not only that, but to allow so few visits by the owners must have been incredibly distressing for both sides. I have been attacked by an American pit bull where no action was taken because it was his ‘first bite..’ but guess what – this dog was living with a bi-polar owner in a tiny flat in London and it is bred to run with cattle – people are MAD not DOGS!
Dee
“A country’s moral development is determined by the way in which it treats its animals.” (Gandhi). Clearly we learn nothing from history.
The treatment of Bruce says so much about the northern Ireland Assembly and this British Government’s dishonest and hypocritical animal welfare considerations.
Petitions, outrage, cancelled trips, witholding personal sponsorship are worthy notes of protest in the SLOW grind to alter legislation. However, here a life is at risk and action is required. Bruce needs to be smuggled out of northern Ireland to the safety of Eire. Someone close by needs to act or he risks being killed. Action, action, action.
There is a way to try to help Bruce. A rescue organisation in Galway, over the border in the Republic of Ireland has offered to take him – BUT we urgently need to campaign in order for the authorities to allow this to happen.
It would help greatly if you could please go to these pages, copying the form letter (adding your own name at the end) and sending it to the people at the bottom of each page – contact addresses are provided. It doesn’t take that long and may just save this poor dog’s life. Thank you so much.
Template Letters for Bruce:
Please go to each one seperately as the contact details will differ – Thank You!
http://ddawatch.webs.com/savingbrucetemplate1.htm
http://ddawatch.webs.com/savingbrucevetdraft.htm
http://ddawatch.webs.com/brucetemplategeneral.htm
I am shocked at the horrible treatment of this dog I am from the Republic of Ireland where there are no laws prohibiting certain dog breeds and I cannot understand why Northern Ireland judges or politicians can’t just send bruce across the border down to the Republic of Ireland where he’ll be safe
I am truly saddened and angered by the case of BRUCE, which I only learned about today.
Please consider the following statements:
Seized against thier will
Detained without right of appeal and to the great anguish of friends and family
Summarily sentenced to death for reasons of race and physical appearance
Treated inhumanely during incarceration without proper medical attention
No one in authority has the moral strength to arrange release
Those charged with final execution will only be “Following Orders”
Is this an account of a Nazi concentration camp in WW2?
No …its how we British in 2009 treat our family pets!!! _ or how our government legislators do -in particular, those involved in Norther Ireland with BRUCE.
If we were talking about humans we would call it racism, and genocide (and please dont get me wrong-I am NOT in anyway suggesting that the Dangerous Dogs Act is on a par with Hitler’s atrocities …..) but from a legal argument, the logic behind both scenarios is indeed the same.
Whilst any stay of execution is welcomed- why do “all legal avenues” need to be explored?
Whats wrong with good old fashion common sense and reasonableness- not to mention compassion?
Get this poor animal back to loving owners as quickly as possible who can nurture him back to health and stop wasting all this valuable tax payers money on something worthy instead.
If any other readers know where we can post Bruce related comments on other sites or in the media where the word can be spread further afield beyond the “responsible dog loving community” please say so- as I guess most people who read these comments are aware of the problems with BSL and the DDA and possibly broadly share my sentiments.
DogMagazine: Northern Ireland Shamed by Treatment of Death Row Dog, Bruce: The comments coming from .. http://tinyurl.com/mh8qky
Once again, the Breed Specific Legislation enacted in the UK (which, of course, includes Northern Ireland) is shown to be a complete ass.
At least over here, in Southern Ireland, such a ludicrously unenforceable law hasn’t been enacted (yet). But, we must all be very vigilant as our elected politicians are wanton to enact laws they know little or nothing about. Only recently Dublin City Council banned certain breeds from their Council owned properties. So, not only do we have a Restricted Breeds legislation here but also have a whole swathe of council tenants who are being discriminated against.
We must all, around the globe, let our “politicians” and elected officials know our feelings. And, let them know where our votes will be lodged next time around when they are on their hustings looking for our support!
This story is ridiculous and sad. This poor dog has suffered long enough for simply fitting a profile. Judged solely for his appearance is no differant than rascism in my opinion. Punish all for the misdeeds of others, totally ridiculous shallow thinking. I am so sick of trying to convince people its not the dog its the owner! So many people think they know all there is to know about the viscious “pit bull” and most couldnt truely identify one if they had too. Im tired of being lumped into a specific category that supposedly fits what supposed “pit bull” owners are. Tired of having to defend my dogs when they have done nothing wrong other thhan being “pit bulls”. Enough is enough,if your going to form an opinion be smart enough to educate yourself so you at least know what your talking about when it comes to this breed.
I am saddened by poor Bruces plight and think he should be returned to his owners before anymore emotional damage is done to this poor dog. People really disappoint me sometimes thats why I prefer the company of my dogs…
I can’t believe this poor dog is caught up in politics! Please give him back to his owners and stop this foolishness. The pride of the lawmakers should be set aside to DO the right thing! Shame on you for what you’ve done to this family and their beloved pet who did nothing but had the wrong “look”.
Letters sent to all of the contacts listed – let’s hope Bruce is released SOON.
Thank you, Nancy. Every person who sends a letter might help to make all the difference.
I’m writing to the American Embassy in Ireland to see if they can show compassion and take Bruce into the Embassy to protect him as he is condemned to die as an ‘American pit bull terrier’ and some people in the states have said they will take him in if he is not allowed across the border to southern Ireland.
Maybe the American Embassy can give sanctuary to Bruce, worth a try.
I have been following the story of Bruce for months. He never misbehaved or did anything wrong to land him on dog death row. It was strictly because he is a “bully breed” a Staffordshire Terrier and the British government has banned them in Northern Ireland. The facility where he has been kept has neglected him horribly and he had to have his tail amputated because they let it get so infected. If anyone belongs in court it is the people who run the kennel that has treated him so badly.
It is ridiculous for the authorities to refuse to hand him over to the breed rescue in Galway and continue to hold him so they can kill him later when public interest slacks off. Newsflash…some of us have been on this for months and have no intention of backing off until he is safe.
This is horrible. The world has seen the condition that this poor dog is in since his removal from his family, and all Northern Ireland can do now is continue to hang a death threat over him? This is cruel and unusual punishment – for the dog and for the people who love him.
Shame on the sheep who enacted such a CRIMINAL law as BSL. Shame on you all.
I fear for the mental health of the children who have been affected by actions taken against their beloved pets by BSL.
Bruce does not deserve to die. Bruce should be back home with the people some he Know and love him. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME ON YOUR ALL…..
SHAME SHAME SHAME ON YOUR ALL…. SHAME SHAME SHAME ON YOUR ALL
We have a Staffordshire Terrier … … and ours Bed is hers bed…. yes we love her so
Shame on the Government who allow the state sanctioned murder of dogs who fit a physical description.
Their hands are dripping in the blood of innocent victims like Bruce.
The national canine groups shold be screaming for its repeal where the hell are they all, there’s nothing about northern ireland or bruce on their web sites.
Its an absolute disgrace!..I can not imagine the heartbreak for the family of Bruce, knowing he is suffering..I can not believe they have not been allowed to visit the poor boy..I feel sick to my stomache at the barbaric treatment of this dog..all because he looks a certain way..the powers that be should hang their heads in shame..
I feel sick to my stomach that poor Bruce has been treated in such a heinous way. He is a loving and caring dog that trusted in humans and his trust has been betrayed in the most dispicable fashion. Councils workers playing “God” and using a peice of facsist legislation to incarcerate and mistreat poor Bruce. The conditions he is kept in must surely contravence the Animal Welfare Act. As a long time Staffie owner I know that they are such a sensitive and caring breed and I can’t believe that the Judge and Bruce’s captors can be so heartless to treat him in this way. Bruce must be allowed to go to Eire where he can live out his days amoungst people who will give him the love and care that he deserves.
I pray that the Judge sees sense and does the only thing that is right and releases Bruce. I have written emails to every MP I can think of and all of the major news channels and newspapers. People need to know about this disgraceful situation and the Judge needs to rectify it.
PLEASE RELEASE BRUCE AND END HIS SUFFERING.
Surely if we are truely living in a civilized society Bruce must be released and this must end now.
For goodness sake, get out and do some proper work. Have you really nothing better to do than imprison a defenceless and loved animal, treat him badly and then kill him? Go and find some human beings who are knowingly and deliberately doing wrong, cruel things and deal with them. This poor lad has done absolutely nothing wrong other than look like something he is not. Get real. You should be thoroughly asheamed of yourselves.
Spend your time and our money on something worthwile.
Mr. Webster said it so eloquently. Northern Ireland has become the Nazi Germany of the early 1900s. To all Northern Ireland, beware, of the NeoNazis you have in control of your country. If this poor sentient being is MURDERED, this COUNTY will STOP AT NOTHING. Your Parliment is out of control and need to have its reins tightened. I am sure you have elections in Ireland. Voice your disatisfaction at voting time. RAISE YOUR VOICES IN PROTEST. RALLY FOR THIS SENTIENT BEING. YOU MIGHT BE NEXT ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK! Your country is being governed by disengenous sociopaths! Its either their way or the highway! STOP THE BSL! STOP THE EXECUTION OF ONE OF GODS’ CREATURES. STOP THE INSANITY. ALL THE WORLDS’ EYES ARE ON BRUCE AND IF HIS JAILORS ARE SUCESSFUL IN EXECUTING HIM, A HUE AND CRY SUCH AS IRELAND HAS EVER KNOWN WILL BE HEARD THE WORLD OVER. Millions of animal loving eyes are on Ireland. IRELAND DO THE RIGHT THING AND LET BRUCE GO HOME EITHER TO HIS HUMAN OR A SAFE HAVEN, IN SOUTHERN IRELAND, AWAY FROM THE BLOODY BUTCHERS IN NORTHERN IRELAND. LONG LIVE SOUTHERN IRELAND FOR THEIR COMPASSION AND COMMON SENSE
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the ways its animals are treated.”
Gandhi
Shame on you Ireland-
Shame on your bureaucracy-
Shame on you for the neglect and cruelty being inflicted on an innocent at the hands of a government agency-
Shame on you Ireland…your sadness as a nation- for the whole world to bear witness…
This is so beyond disgusting–where is ALF when we need them??? Somebody go in and liberate this dog for god’s sakes..If only I were closer..my god I would do it myself!
hi im Bruces owner and just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who is taking the time to write about Bruce,comment and spread the word! it means so much to have this support!
Northern Ireland take heed – the world is watching, and praying you finally come to your senses and release Burce and others like him, who have done no wrong other than to look a certain way.
He is a friendly Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who are known to be among the gentlest of dogs, especially around children whereby they are known as “the nanny dog”.
Bruce is gentle. He is friendly. He has harmed no-one.
Yet Northern Ireland has harmed him!!! And greatly so!
He has suffered terribly during his time of imprisonment, and the sentance of death hanging over him is not only ludicrous but a total waste of tax payer’s money!
Bigotry and stubborness are the only reasons I can see why this dog has not been released.
USPCA – shame on you for allowing this travesty of justice. Shame on you for the condition of Bruce whilst under your care!
I think it’s really, really, really sick the way that the feds are treating this dog. I’ve seen the YouTube video which shows the wounds of this poor homesick little doggie and it really really makes me very angry – i actually had mum in tears watching the video. I think it’s rubbish that they are looking into “all avenues of the law” – the dog is not agressive, presumably has never bitten and lives with another dog…i just can’t see how Bruce’s detention can be justified by anybody. I infact think that the feds should be prosecuted for cruelty, it’s really disgusting. In keeping Bruce in they’re just going to distress him more and more and it’s just cruel and horrible. TAKE BRUCE HOME, TOSSERS!
Hello to Bruce’s owner Shannon and well done for keeping on for nearly two years to save your dog from a crazy mad law.
DEAR ANIMAL LOVERS; We have a similar situation here in California in the United States, The sentients’ name is Stu and he is accused of biting an attendant who was “supposed” to be caring for him and his canine companion. He has been incarcerated since 2005. He also is on face book and scheduled for execution July 23, 2009. His human companion/caregiver was called away from home to attend to his mother who was dying. He asked a friend to stay with Stu and his canine companion while he was away. Stu and his canine companion got into a scuffle and Stu received a laceration on his ear. Against the advise given by Stu legal guardian, this attendant locked Stu in a small room and attempted to muzzle Stu to take him to the vet for treatment. The attendant was bit by Stu. A natural reaction as Stu had an injury. This attendant did not seek medical attention for her bite (did not break the skin) because “she did not want to get Stu in trouble”. Several weeks later, Stu’s legal guardian was slapped with a law suit totaling in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Stu was seized from his secured back yard and jailed. This was in 2005! After years of legal red tape and committee/court meetings, Stu has been sentenced to die. If you can find it in your hearts, please help BRING STU HOME TOO. His story is on FACEBOOK. His owner is desperately trying to get him back home. Stu was a stray that his owner took off the streets and cared for him and I know just by what he has been through he is suffereing tremendously as is Stu. You see, Stu is elderly and he also has been declared not to be a menace to society. PLEASE CAN FIND IT IN YOUR HEARTS TO HELP STU TOO? It seems that the world has taken a nose dive on compassion. Please read his story on FACEBOOK. He also has his on website(address is on FACEBOOK) PLEASE HELP STU TOO. HIS OWNERS’ EMAIL IS STU911@GMAIL.COM
I think its unbearably sad that despite the fact we are supposed to be civilised and intelligent human beings there are people who who refused to look at a situation and examine the facts but instead just follow red tape – a ridiculous law that dogs of a certain type are to be seized and killed.
Bruce has never done anything wrong, he’s never bitten anyone, never shown aggression to anyone yet he’s condemned to die for the simple reason he’s a ‘pit bull type’ – whats that for God’s sake? The people who have incarcerated him and have shown total neglect while he’s in their care are the ones who should be standing trial – for abuse to animals.
I just hope that someone who has the power to step in and stop this injustice will do so and stand up to the mindless idiots who just follow the written rule and are unable to look at the dog in front of them and see he’s just a dog, someone’s beloved pet and set him free to be with his family. He will never be the same again, nor will his family after what they’ve been through – after what other human beings have put them through.
Ireland – the world is watching you – make the right decision.
the ALF is nothing more then a terriorist organisation, who considering is an animal rights group, not an animal welfare group, would not give bruce back to his or any other owners, but would euthanise him on the spot, or simply dump him in a feild to “liberate” him, and leave him to fend for himself, so he would either disrupt the natural ecosystem, or starve etc to death. ALF as strong conections to PETA a group who support bsl, and see it as a stepping stone to erridicate all breeds of dog, and whoes head has even written letters calling for puppies to be “culled becuase they’re pit bulls”.
and theres no point liberating him, cuz the authorityies wud just bring him back.
I must stress this is happening in northen ireland (aka ulster), which is not part of the ireland nation (aka ireland, eire, southern ireland), but is part of the uk, eire has its own sort of bsl.
and i dont see why we should punish by boycotting etc the people of ulster, when its the goverment at fualt
they are even trying to help Bruce in America by holding a rally outside the B ritish Embassy they cannot believe the stupidness of this particular case and they find it unbelievable that the whole breed is banned and can be removed by the police for nothing. Please help Bruce to live but remember for every Bruce there is a hundred other dogs on death row in Ireland and in U.k. as a whole. Dont blame the breed blame the other end of the lead… for every dog you take and kill those very same people that make that particular breed dangerous can just go out and get another dog and so it goes on. The act is not working it needs to be scrapped and re-thought through. Blame the individual dog for the attacks not the whole breed …..
I know Dee. What makes me mad is they are trying to make him mean by the way they are treating him. What else would you think might come out of treating an innocent animal so harshly. Allowing his health to decline like it has. Also, if that doesn’t work, I’m sure they’ll use his “health” as a technicality and us that in court saying he’s not healthy enough to live.
All if this is BS. I cannot believe they are doing this to this dog. I’ll say this…they are LUCKY this isn’t my dog. At least these owners are doing things the legal way. You know that saying, “one of these days you’re gonna run into someone you shouldn’t have messed with”? Well that’s what’s gonna happen eventually, because animals are not JUST animals anymore, they are family! And family protects family.
Stephanie
Exactly! Surely whatever idiot has taken this dog should get some sort of sanction for being cruel, it’s really gross. How can these people not see that this dog has a lovely temperament – if he was really a threat to society surely Brucie would have bitten whilst under custody? and he just hasn’t!
Have there been any developments on his release? last time i checked over 18,000 people had signed the petition! excellent!
and definately, i have 2 dogs – a boxer cross staffy and a boxer cross rotweiller. They are both beautiful dogs, and neither of them have shown aggression to anyone or anything before (not even rabbits!) which just goes to show it’s how you raise and train the dogs!
MADNESS!
I am shocked that this bigotry is happening over there in Ireland with Bruce,the dog. I had hoped that people,especially elected officals would have more sense and more compassion than what’s being shown to the whole world! These Irishmen or women should be ashamed and embarrassed of themselves!! If they could just let go of their stubborness or pride,and just do the right thing and admit they made a mistake and let Bruce go back to his HOME and his FAMILY,that would be
a step in the right direction!
The last time something similar to this happened was during World War II with the German Jews. They were rounded up and killed just because they were Jewish,or looked Jewish. The difference is it’s dogs
now and not Germany,but Ireland.
These knuckle-headed officals that you have over there in your Ireland are going to make your whole country look stupid and silly to the rest of us out here!! What you are allowing is pathetic! Why do you sit down and take this from your officals. Stand together and boot them all out of office!!!!