Dogs Trust Saddened to Hear About Plight of Death Row Dog, Bruce
The Dogs Trust has issued a statement on the plight of death row dog, Bruce – set to be killed because of the way he looks. Chris Laurence, Veterinary Director of Dogs Trust, says: “Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is deeply saddened to hear about the plight of Bruce and our hearts go out to his family. While we are unable to comment on individual cases like Bruce’s, it underlines the inherent flaws in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
The type known as a pit bull terrier is not a recognised breed in the UK and it is therefore difficult to positively identify a dog as a prohibited type. Consequently there are many crossbreeds that are very stockily built and have long legs and might therefore mistakenly be classified as a pit bull type. Many of these are beloved family pets with no tendency to aggression and therefore no danger to the public.
Dogs Trust considers that, where the dog is a family pet and shows no tendency to aggression, the dog should automatically be entered on the Index created under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. They should also be required to comply with the other requirements under the Act (neutering, microchipping, insurance, muzzling).
Dogs Trust continues to lobby Government for replacement of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 with new law to reflect the ‘deed not breed’ of a dog; to adequately deal with aggressive or dangerous dogs based on the actions of a dog rather than its breed.”
——–
Let us all hope the Dogs Trust – and other welfare organisations – do not fall short in using their considerable influence to lobby for the FULL repeal of BSL and we are not left with laws which persecute dogs rather than owners.
Bruce must not be allowed to die in the full glare of many thouands of animal lovers and welfare organisations from all over the world. Northern Ireland has an easy decision to make, let this innocent dog go and live in Ireland where he has been offered legal sanctuary. To kill him now would be criminal.
Highly Recommended: What dog owner wouldn’t want a piece of THIS action? – Get FREE dog food!
Related posts:
Loading ...
Dogs Trust Saddened to Hear About Plight of Death Row Dog, Bruce http://tinyurl.com/ldr7qx
Reply
Dawn Reply:
July 8th, 2009 at 2:07 am
There is absolutely no reason to destroy a dog that has not done bodily harm to anyone. He obviously has a family that cares about him very much waiting for his return. None of this makes any sense!
Reply
Kathy Henn Reply:
July 17th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
For the last 3 years we have been using the Dog Whisperer’s techniques and I’m totally surprised at the great results we have been getting. The first thing you learn is to treat them as a dog and you are the pack leader. After 55 years of owning dogs this was quite the revelation to me as I treated the dogs more like a human and didn’t realize the disservice that you are doing to the animals. Both my husband and I are still learning and have found that by using these techniques it works well for both the dog and ourselves. Instead of putting a dog down train it as it should be trained. Breed is not important what is important is HOW the dog is trained. If we put down people for the way they act as we seem to be doing with dogs the world would be alot emptier place! If you don’t want the responsibility of training a dog properly than give the dog up to someone that will take on that reponsibility and treasure the animal they have.
Reply
Hi, Thank you for your email to myself about the tragic situation of ‘Bruce’. I set up my own busiiness 12 months ago to educate dog owners etc in the art of Pet Ownership and so on, as I believe that there is a real lack of ‘education’ in regards to owning a pet. I understand that there are a minority of individuals who ‘fail’ to seek advice and guidance in owning a pet. In the case of ‘Bruce’ I find it hard to believe that those responsible for acting as ‘Judge and Jury’ have not explored the legal guidelines of owning a pet, amongst others and which includes the 5 freedoms:
1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom to express normal behaviour
3. Freedom from discomfort
4. Freedom form pain, injury and disease
5. Freedom from fear or distress
The common denominator here is the word FREEDOM……… Sadly the legal system relating to animals is poor, and out dated. I have been a vet nurse for a great number of years and find it heartbreaking at how WE judge are 4 legged companions.
I will keep my fingers crossed and hope that one day Bruce will be allowed to either be rehomed to his original owners or that he is to be rehomed to alternative and loving owners.
Lorraine
Pet Education 4 U
Reply
Can the Dogs Trust PLEASE APPEAL personally to the Government to let Bruce live.
By the time any changes are made, Bruce will be dead, lobbying is great but NI doesn’t even have the Amendment – it still has the DEATH PENALTY for dogs like bruce, why is that???
Shocking situation, please help bruce dogs trust, don’t let him die.
Reply
DogMagazine: Dogs Trust Saddened to Hear About Plight of Death Row Dog, Bruce: The Dogs Trust has is.. http://tinyurl.com/ldr7qx
Reply
hi Allie!
we knew these details at the time of court the councils ’specialists’ marion forsythe and liam fitzpatrick made there decision based on the size difference of bruce! bcause he is larger than a staff we have never denied that bruce is a cross but that still shud be no reason!!!!!!!
shannon
Reply
poor wee man loving dog part of a family what a shame the way he is been treated and his family give him back to live a happy life with love
its not the dog breed its the people that take on these dogs that make them get a bad name not the dog
Reply
All official and recognised canine protection and rescue groups should be speaking out in defence of Bruce and doing a lot more than they have so far!
This is a race to save a life and it’s imperative that Dogs Trust, Kennel Club, RSPCA and all high profile animal welfare groups do their utmost to make their views known in this case.
Please speak up for Bruce and continue to question the DDA and BSL laws that are literally costing hundreds of lives per year, year on year.
We cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand and ignore this situation. Your choice of breed of dog could be next!
Reply
Dogs Trust Saddened to hear about Bruce’s plight and so am I and all of my friends here in America. I beg you to reconsider and find a way to rehome Bruce to his original people or to a sanctuary where he can live his life out in peace. He has all ready suffered way too much. When will man extend his compassion to our voiceless animals. I weep for Bruce and await good news from Ireland. Bruce needs a hero. Please be that hero.
Reply
”Let us all hope the Dogs Trust – and other welfare organisations – do not fall short in using their considerable influence to lobby for the FULL repeal of BSL and we are not left with laws which persecute dogs rather than owners.”
I couldn’t agree more. Rescues MUST do more to fight BSL. They face the terrible task of destroying homeless ‘type’ dogs behind closed doors. Bruce’s plea just highlights how much the dog loving the public really do care. They must speak out and let people know what is going on, highlighting the many wasted lives destroyed under this dreadful law.
Reply
[...] Dogs Trust Saddened to Hear About Plight of Death Row Dog, Bruce [...]
I read these comments about Bruce and am nearly devastated for the rest of the day, week, month, forever. Why kill an innocent animal when a bit of compassion and trining could be the answer. I absolutly abhor these so called “animal control” do gooders. What would happen if we all decided to get rid of all people of a certain ethniticity? I guantee you there are a lot more dangerous people out there than there are dogs of any breed. Sure there are bad apples in every batch but that doesn’t mean we should eradicate apples. By the way make sure you read the fiasco in Puerto Rico committed by an Animal Control agency.
Reply