Archive for Rescue Remedies.myfastforum.org Rescue Remedies Forum
 

Donate to our new server appeal.


       Rescue Remedies.myfastforum.org Forum Index -> Dog Chat
johnderondon

Bruce, the NI 'pit bull type' - long (but urgent) post

For those of you who have been following the story of Bruce, the Staffordshire seized as 'type' in NI it has now come to crunch time.

Bruce has been ordered by the court to be destroyed on Monday, 6th July.

For those not familiar with Bruce's story ther is a brief summary and heart-wrenching video here:

http://www.dogmagazine.net/archiv...plea-to-save-death-row-dog-bruce/

Bruce has an offer of a rescue space in Eire where pit bulls can live legally. Bruce's only remaining chance - and it is a very slim chance - is a mass letter campaign to try to persuade decision makers to allow him to leave the UK.

There is very little time left to try to save Bruce. Please put pressure on descision makers by writing in support of Bruce.

Home Secretary - Alan Johnson

email - public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or johnsona@parliament.uk

Please ask for Bruce to be given safe passage to Eire where he can live legally. It's probably best if you can compose your own letters but here's a template letter...

Please write today. There is so little time left.

Quote:


Dear Sir,

I am writing to you with regard to a travesty about to occur in Northern Ireland and to beg you to intervene and help save a life.

The life in question belongs to Bruce,a young Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was living happily with his family in Northern Ireland. On September 19th 2007 Bruce was seized by council officials as an alleged “pit bull type” and taken to secluded kennels whilst his owner was taken to court for owning a banned type of dog.
While incarcerated in kennels his family were allowed to visit Bruce in October 2007, Bruce had lost weight, muscle and had a cut to his muzzle. Five months later Bruce was allowed a second visit from his family in March 2008, they were shocked with what they found: The wound on Bruce's muzzle was larger and had become infected, he had to have his tail amputated, had open sores, was underweight and looked totally rejected, yet despite the clear pain he was in, is described by experts as being a friendly dog that poses no danger to the public. In a desperate attempt to save Bruce, owner Shannon Brown, supporters and neighbours have created petitions and videos resulting in worldwide support to “Bring Bruce Home”.
Northern Ireland has not adopted the 1997 Amendment Act as in England, Scotland and Wales, despite being proposed several times, thus meaning any dog deemed to be “pit bull type” cannot be entered onto the Index of Exempted Dogs. If the proposal had been accepted in Northern Ireland, as with the rest of the UK, Bruce would have been home long before now, alive and well registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.
If Bruce lived in Southern Ireland where no breeds are nationally banned he would never have been seized at all. Bruce has been offered a place of safety with a reputable rescue in Southern Ireland where he could legally live out the rest of his life, this offer has been conveyed to the solicitor but has sadly not been accepted by the court.

I understand that you have the power to grant a pardon and we beg of you to do all within your power to allow Bruce the chance of life by requesting Bruce is granted safe passage to Southern Ireland and the rescue placement that is waiting there for him. This is all that is needed. I am sure, Mr. Johnson, that you are aware of how emotionally committed good owners are to their pets. Dogs are part of our families as much as children. Please spare Bruce’s owner the further trauma of destroying Bruce so needlessly. Please pardon Bruce and allow a blameless animal the chance of life.

We claim to be a nation of animal lovers, surely now it is time to prove it?

Yours faithfully


Thank you. Thank you for writing. Just one last thing....

Excluding the bit about 'having the power to pardon' please write also to:

Shaun Woodward, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
http://www.shaunwoodward.com/enquiry.html

and Northern Ireland Ministers

Peter Robinson
http://www.peterrobinson.org/EnquiryForm.asp

Martin Mcguiness
ps.ministers@ofmdfmni.gov.uk

Gerry Kelly
ps.ministers@ofmdfmni.gov.uk

and Jeffrey Donaldson
http://www.jeffreydonaldson.org/AdviceCentre.asp

and Tony Hill, Mayor of Northdown Borough Council
email: tony.hill@northdown.gov.uk



This can only work if enough people write but if enough letters land on enough desktops perhaps we can make a difference.
EmmaSemple

The sad thing is that he is not even a pit bull, just a staffie that looks the part.
This has really got to me TBH and makes me even more determined that this ridiculous law needs to change. Once again the skin the animal is in means more than the nature of the dog. He has been obviously proved to be no danger to the public and still he has to die.

Please support Bruce in his hour of need. There are so many like him and likely to be many more shortly.  Crying or Very sad

Emma
johnderondon

Feel free to cross post like a mad thing. So little time.
Sharonr - Admin

Hi there - I have done all the e-mail addresses & the sites.  Didn't take more than a few minutes so I urge everyone to do the same - please!

The last one has an e-mail address on it: jeffreydonaldsonmp@laganvalley.net <jeffreydonaldsonmp@laganvalley.net>
johnderondon

Thank you, Sharon. You're a star!



More templates and contacts here:

For vets:
http://ddawatch.webs.com/savingbrucevetdraft.htm

For media and other welfare organisations
http://ddawatch.webs.com/brucetemplategeneral.htm
Sharonr - Admin

Done!  Very Happy
ali12345

Took just a few minutes, so please  send off a few emails now.
alison
johnderondon

Bruce's execution has been postponed! He is still due to be killed. We don't know when so, please, keep emailing, keep crossposting, keep writing!

Thanks Ali!
karen

Done and emailed to other dog lovers.
Sharonr - Admin

John, have just done the other forums we post on (where you haven't already)  Very Happy
johnderondon

Thanks everyone!

The latest news is that Bruce's barrister has applied for a judicial review. I don't know if it has been granted yet but counsel has promised that Bruce won't be destroyed untill every legal avenue has been explored.

This means that Bruce won't die on Monday but he is still condemened and his life hangs in the balance. It vital to keep up the pressure and keep emailing/writing. We may get little or no notice next time.

Our emails to NI ministers are getting brushed off with referals to Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development.

I'm trying to find some sympathetic NI politicians that we can write to who might help pin down Robinson, Kelly and McGuinness.

I'll post contacts details asap.
johnderondon

Please email the following regarding bruce. They are mps in the area bruce was taken from. Please forward everywhere!

more urgent contact details

North Down constituency has six MLAs (think each constituency has six elected)
MLA = Members of the Legislative Assembly

Alex Easton
Stephen Farry
Peter Weir
Leslie Cree
Brian Wilson


Alexander Easton DUP ???

Stephen farry ???

Peter Weir DUP pjweir@hotmail.com

Leslie Cree UUP Leslie.cree@northdown.gov.uk

Brian wilson???

or facebook pages

Here's Peter Weir
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ste...014663#/group.php?gid=57364012878


Here's Stephen Farry MLA
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Farry-MLA/71584014663

Brian Wilson
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ste...y-MLA/71584014663#/aldermanwilson

Thank you!!!
CloClo

Just written out a long reply, then realised that this thread was started by the same person as the one on YourDog!

Well anyway, petition signed, loads of emails sent of to the adresses shown, and emails forwarded round friends and family.

BTW, definitely agree (and would put money on) this dog is a Staffie (poss a mix).
johnderondon

And you're just a much of a gem here too, Cloclo!


New bruce video. Please crosspost, guys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aQLog460Io
Sharonr - Admin

All up on my forums  Wink
johnderondon

The Irish News ran an article on Bruce today. Very Happy

Northern Ireland Assembly members are describing their inboxes with words like "inundated".  Very Happy  

Statement of support from the KC:

Quote:

We do not understand why a pit bull type dog (based purely on its looks) in one part of the UK is regarded as more of a danger than the same dog would pose in another part.

http://www.dogmagazine.net/archiv...treatment-of-death-row-dog-bruce/

No reponse yet from the RSPCA or USPCA so lets push them hard:

http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/S...te?pagename=RSPCA/Utility/Contact

and

enquiries@uspca.co.uk
Sharonr - Admin

Hi everyone - keep the momentum building and please spare a few  minutes to crosspost and write.

John: have crossposted your post today's everywhere I can.  Smile
johnderondon

New song by Maria Daines, for Bruce

http://www.myspace.com/mariadaines
Sharonr - Admin

Crossposted  Wink
johnderondon

Sharonr - Admin wrote:
Crossposted  Wink


You're gonna hate me but....


Here it is again with a new vid too! smilebox


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH6Vd9n2uOg
Bud

Emailed, signed up and cried through all the video's.............keep us posted.......
johnderondon

RSPCA join in the criticism:
Quote:

Statement on pit bull type dog in Northern Ireland – 10.7.09
It is wrong that an entire breed of dog should be banned purely on the basis of its genetic make-up, without any consideration of an individual dog’s characteristics and temperament.

The Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997 was introduced in England and Wales so that the automatic death sentence on all pit bull type dogs was lifted. If Northern Ireland had adopted this amendment, many family pets identified as being pit bull types would be allowed to live out their life with their owners in accordance with the law. They would not be forced to spend their final days in kennels before being inevitably destroyed.

The RSPCA continues to campaign for the government to reassess its current dog legislation and shift emphasis from the four legs at the end of a lead to the two legs at the other. We want irresponsible owners to be held accountable for their actions, not their dogs.
EmmaSemple

Just out of interest, when was Bruce last actually seen by anyone else that officials? Have I got it correct that the family have not been allowed to see him since Christmas?

Emma
Sharonr - Admin

Quote:
Sharonr - Admin wrote:
Crossposted  


You're gonna hate me but....


Never that  Wink  Whats a little RSI between friends if it makes a difference to Bruce.  

I just cannot imagine how I would feel if that was my dog!  Anyone out thinking the same, can you even try to imagine how it feels? Then do him the biggest favour and write/sign the petition if you haven't already.  Thanks  Smile

(Forums up to date my side)  Smile
johnderondon

EmmaSemple wrote:
Just out of interest, when was Bruce last actually seen by anyone else that officials? Have I got it correct that the family have not been allowed to see him since Christmas?

Emma


I think that's right.

Irish Assembly Member McFarland is trying to push Northdown Borough Council into allowing another access visit or, at least, supplying shannon with some current photos.
johnderondon

Global protests planned!

Quote:
                                                                                     JOIN OUR CALL TO "PAWS"

"Paws" for a moment of silence and join us in lighting a candle in honor, support and recognition of our beautiful canine friend, "Bruce", an innocent victim and pawn of Northern Ireland's Breed Specific Legislation law.

We can not do many things for Bruce as he still sits - just under 2 years - caged, isolated, and physically neglected at the hands of a government agency. These laws were enacted to decrease harm to its' citizens but is now causing harm to many dogs, including Bruce, and their families.

We can not break him free.

We can not ease his confusion and sadness of being taken from the only home he has ever known.

We can not relieve his suffering, and the pain that he continues to endure, nor can we replace his once-beautiful and healthy tail, now amputated from this government's abuse and neglect.

What we can do is pause "paws" for a moment of silence and light our flame in honor of "Bruce", in support of his steadfast-unwavering courage, continuing trust and devotion, and in recognition of his undeniable "spirit", that continues to touch the world.

We can "paws" to honor all of our canine friends and their families around the world who have lost their lives to Breed Specific Legislation and Dangerous Dog Act Laws, this criminal - breed genocide law, and vow to make a change, worldwide, one goal, one purpose, uniting us all in solidarity to repeal this law of inhumanity.

On Thursday, July 23rd 2009 at dusk in your part of the world, with your beloved pets safe at your side, light a candle and "paws" for this powerful moment of silence in honor, in support, and in recognition for all of us fighting to "Bring Bruce Home" uniting to make a change for "Bruce" and the many lives already lost--so that they did not die in vain.

Capture the moment with a digital photograph or video and please send to: mail@dangerousdogsact.co.uk and/or http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10616243761 so that we may record this historical moment in our fight for justice and publish these touching moments for the world to see.
johnderondon

Can anyone join me in a candlelight vigil outside the Northern Ireland Office at 10pm on the 23rd July?

I can provide some transport from Surrey/south London area.
johnderondon

There has been a HUGE legal development for Bruce.

Everybody knows that Northern Ireland doesn't have an amendment to allow 'type' dogs to live. The Dept. for Agriculture and Rural Development even reiterated this point in written answers to the Northern Ireland Assembly as recently as last Sept.


Quote:

"Such dogs are destroyed unless their owner can prove that they are not of a banned type"

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/qand...andate/writtenans/2008/080926.htm


It turns out....


They lied.


Northern Ireland does have its own version of the amendments and has done since 2001. They just forgot to tell anyone!

Forgot to tell Ballymena when they set about their dog massacre. Forgot to tell County Antrim, too, when they set about their own massacre...


Quote:
"The first thing you have to be aware of is that the Amnedment to the Dangerous Dogs Act, which allows pit bull 'type' dogs to be registered and rehomed, does not apply in Northern Ireland" said Nigel Devine (Antrim Borough Dog Warden)

http://www.ourdogs.co.uk/News/2006/December2006/011206/outrage.htm

Bruce now has a valid legal defence to argue in his favour to compliment the public campaign, thanks to the diligence of campaigners who have painstakingly unearthed the complicated jigsaw of legislation.

But how many dogs have died because they were denied their rights by a State that would rather just kill them than seek justice?

Full story here:
http://www.dogmagazine.net/archiv...ruce-awaits-his-fate-on-deathrow/
johnderondon

In a bid to keep piling on the pressure and help Bruce, the alleged pit bull type held under sentence of death in Northern Ireland, DDAWatch have begun a new email campaign. Please, please, please copy or rewrite the following letter and send it to the contacts listed below.

Quote:

Dear

I am contacting you further to my previous email regarding the tragic case of “Bruce”, the alleged pit bull terrier type held by Northdown Borough Council. I remind you of the facts regarding Bruce.

Bruce is a friendly dog whose temperament has never been in question.
Bruce has a loving family whose only wish is to see him live.
The authorities have held Bruce for nearly two years costing thousands of taxpayer’s money.
Bruce’s condition while incarcerated deteriorated badly, shocking the world.
Bruce’s only “crime” is in his appearance.

In my previous contact with yourself, my request was that you help to intervene and save the life of a friendly pet. I would like to ask this again however it seems no longer enough to request solely for Bruce, as Bruce is one of many dogs that may be found guilty in appearance under the Breed Specific Laws in effect in Northern Ireland.

It is on behalf of all dogs, whose crime is in their appearance, that I now contact you and ask that you make a stand against the needless seizure, detainment and potential destruction of dogs such as Bruce and request that all sections within Article 25 of the Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 be repealed from the legislation.

Breed Specific Legislation has been proven to been ineffective at tackling the core problem of irresponsible ownership. Its failure to increase and promote responsible ownership has meant that areas with BSL around the world have failed to see a decrease in incidents with dogs and in many areas these are reported to have actually risen. The Netherlands has noted this failure and has acted accordingly by repealing their ban on breed types.

BSL is also ineffective at reducing the barbaric “sport” of dog fighting. The Welfare of Animals Act contains provisions to deal with those guilty of this offence yet the maximum repercussions for those who abuse and kill innocent creatures are equal to those for a caring owner of a friendly dog whose only crime is in the dog’s physical appearance.

Is it not time that Northern Ireland turn their focus onto those who, intentionally or otherwise, fail to provide for the health and welfare of their pets by ensuring a responsible upbringing of those animals?

I understand that a move to repeal the Breed Specific Aspects of the Dangerous Dogs Act may be considered controversial but I would ask you to question whether or not it is also controversial to continue to back legislation that does not work, cannot work and leads to the destruction of healthy friendly family dogs.

I look forward to hearing your response on the matter

Kind Regards,


The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland – Shaun Woodward MP

Northern Ireland Office, 11 Millbank, London, SW1P 4PN

Fax: 01744 24306...

www.shaunwoodward.com/enquiry.html

The Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP MLA – First Minister
Martin McGuinness MP MLA – deputy First Minister
Jeffrey Donaldson MP - http://www.jeffreydonaldson.org/AdviceCentre.asp
Gerry Kelly MLA
Email: ps.ministers@ofmdfmni.gov.uk

Letters to: GD36 Stormont Castle, Stormont Estate, Belfast BT4 3TT

http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/

Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP - Home Secretary
Letters to: 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF,

Email: public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

ruby.cooling@northdown.gov.uk

harry.dunlop@northdown.gov.uk

roberta.dunlop@northdown.gov.uk

wesley.irvine@northdown.gov.uk

info@wjmontgomery.co.uk

alan.chambers@northdown.gov.uk

leslie.cree@northdown.gov.uk

marsden.fitzsimons@northdown.gov.uk

ian.henry@northdown.gov.uk

info@austenlennon.co.uk

alan.graham@northdown.gov.uk

alan.leslie@northdown.gov.uk

james.mckerrow@northdown.gov.uk

marion.smith@northdown.gov.uk

anne.wilson@northdown.gov.uk

brian.wilson@northdown.gov.uk

david.alderdice@northdown.gov.uk

ellie.mckay@northdown.gov.uk

ian.parsley@northdown.gov.uk

diana.peacocke@northdown.gov.uk

enquiries@uspca.co.uk

Alexander Easton DUP Alex.Easton@niassembly.gov.uk

Stephen farry stephen.farry@allianceparty.org

Peter Weir DUP pjweir@hotmail.com

Leslie Cree UUP Leslie.cree@northdown.gov.uk

Stephen farry stephen.farry@allianceparty.org

or facebook pages

Here's Peter Weir
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Farr...gid=57364012878

Here's Stephen Farry MLA
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Farry-MLA/71584014663

Brian Wilson
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Farr.../aldermanwilson
johnderondon

Bruce's Global Vigil, part four

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itRfDu5S_KI
johnderondon

BBC Ulster are covering Bruce's story between 12.00 and 1.30pm.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/radioulster/talkback/

Please listen in and lend some support to Bruce's (very nervous) owner.
johnderondon

Why have the USPCA failed to comment on Bruce?

Over the last few weeks many organisations across the world have spoken up in defence of Bruce, a good dog, currently being held by the authorities in Northern Ireland. Emails have been sent in their thousands and every single organisation and a large number of MLP's have replied, even if its a basic aknowledgment of the emails recieved.

Except for the USPCA.

The USPCA is the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. They are the main animal welfare body in Northern Ireland. Yet they have said nothing at all regarding the horrific condition Bruce was photograhed in. Bruce, we are told, is now in better condition however no one who claims to be protecting the welfare of animals could expect us to allow this silence and lack of action to continue.

When you visit the USPCA website the first thing that stands out is a clip promoting the Five Freedoms. The Five freedoms are :

Freedom from hunger and thirst.

Freedom from discomfort

Freedom from pain, injury and disease.

Freedom to express normal behaviour

Freedom from fear and distress.

Yet with Bruce, the USPCA keeps up a wall of silence.

Please email the USPCA again and ask them for their position on the seizure of dogs whose only crime is in their physical appearance.

Why is no action seemingly being taken against those who failed to ensure Bruce freedom from pain, injury and disease?

How many other dogs are currently being held in Northern Ireland?

How many of those dogs have died while in the "care" of the authorities?

Who is monitoring the welfare of all dogs held?

When will independent investigation be carried out on ALL kennels holding dogs in Northern Ireland and when will the outcomes of those investigations be published?

Northern Ireland, the World is still watching and will continue to speak out until YOU take action to protect the dogs!

Email the USPCA again, please.

Enquiries@uspca.co.uk
Bud

done.........Please next time i see a post for Bruce tell me its over and he is home!!
julieh

johnderondon wrote:
Why have the USPCA failed to comment on Bruce?

Over the last few weeks many organisations across the world have spoken up in defence of Bruce, a good dog, currently being held by the authorities in Northern Ireland. Emails have been sent in their thousands and every single organisation and a large number of MLP's have replied, even if its a basic aknowledgment of the emails recieved.

Except for the USPCA.

The USPCA is the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. They are the main animal welfare body in Northern Ireland. Yet they have said nothing at all regarding the horrific condition Bruce was photograhed in. Bruce, we are told, is now in better condition however no one who claims to be protecting the welfare of animals could expect us to allow this silence and lack of action to continue.

When you visit the USPCA website the first thing that stands out is a clip promoting the Five Freedoms. The Five freedoms are :

Freedom from hunger and thirst.

Freedom from discomfort

Freedom from pain, injury and disease.

Freedom to express normal behaviour

Freedom from fear and distress.

Yet with Bruce, the USPCA keeps up a wall of silence.

Please email the USPCA again and ask them for their position on the seizure of dogs whose only crime is in their physical appearance.

Why is no action seemingly being taken against those who failed to ensure Bruce freedom from pain, injury and disease?

How many other dogs are currently being held in Northern Ireland?

How many of those dogs have died while in the "care" of the authorities?

Who is monitoring the welfare of all dogs held?

When will independent investigation be carried out on ALL kennels holding dogs in Northern Ireland and when will the outcomes of those investigations be published?

Northern Ireland, the World is still watching and will continue to speak out until YOU take action to protect the dogs!

Email the USPCA again, please.

Enquiries@uspca.co.uk





I have just e-mailed them. Let's hope that poor Bruce is soon free.
Sharonr - Admin

Mailed them.  It doesn't take longer than a post on this forum guys - please keep up the pressure.
johnderondon

From DDAWatch
Quote:

We have heard an update regarding bruce's situation. Shannons legal team have applied for "case stated" and there is to be a hearing on the 11th August , this coming Tuesday. We are not certain of how the legal system works in NI but we think (think!) that this hearing will be to set out the case and it may then be able to be put forward to the court of appeal at a future hearing.

If we come into any more information we will let you know. Please do keep everything crossed for shannon and especially for Bruce this tuesday regardless of what the hearingis. His fate may depend on it!

My understanding, which is absolutely fallible, is that Tuesday's hearing will just be for the judge to explain the reasoning behind her decision and for the legal points on which an appeal is sought to be laid out.
Sharonr - Admin

Any news John?
johnderondon

Waiting to hear. Smile
johnderondon

Main stream media are showing a strong interest. Sky want to cover it, reporters from the LA Times are making enquiries and now...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8209106.stm

Smile
johnderondon

Court of Appeal hearing scheduled for the 14th Sept.
Sharonr - Admin

John, any news on Bruce?  Crying or Very sad
johnderondon

I'm still waiting to hear.

I'm hoping that the absence of news indicates that the principals went on a mamouth party and are sleeping off the effects.

Or it could be the case is still being argued...

As soon as I hear I'll post. Smile
johnderondon

I have just received word that Bruce is to have a new hearing - date to be set in two weeks.

Makes no sense to me either but that's what I've heard.
Pooch zzz

Hi, any more news on Bruce? I've been searching the web, but nothing more recent.
johnderondon

Still waiting...and waiting...and waiting.

Poor Bruce
josta

Poor, poor Bruce. How slow can they go!

       Rescue Remedies.myfastforum.org Forum Index -> Dog Chat
Page 1 of 1
Create your own free forum | Buy a domain to use with your forum

Click here for the Rescue Remedies Website