Further Details on Death Row Dog Bruce Here

Further Details on London Candle Lit Vigil Here

Letter Following London Vigil:

To:

Secretary of State Shaun Woodward MP
Northern Ireland Office
11 Millbank, London SW1P 4PN

Dear Sir,

We are writing to you regarding your Northern Ireland resident Shannon-Leah Brown and her pet dog ‘Bruce’ an innocent dog who has been sentenced to die and was due to be destroyed on Monday 6th July, until a last minute stay of execution was granted as legal proceedings are ongoing.

On Thursday 23rd July, members of the public gathered outside the Northern Ireland Office to hold a peaceful candle lit vigil in support of Bruce and against the injustice the legal system has dished out against this defenceless animal and others like him. Bruce has never harmed anybody and is agreed by all involved to be a dog of good temperament. His only crime is to look of the wrong shape and size and for that ‘crime’ is has been sentenced to die under Northern Ireland legislation which we feel would be better suited to the Dark Ages.

Bruce, a young Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was living happily with his family in Bangor, when in September 2007 he 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 contrary to the Dangerous Dogs Act (Order) 1991. A trial was heard at Bangor Magistrates' Court on 27th August 2008 and the court determined that Bruce was “of type” despite the evidence from two expert identification witnesses who said he was not. Bruce was ordered destroyed devastating his family and supporters. He remains on ‘canine death row’.

Whilst incarcerated in kennels at huge public expense, Bruce had lost weight, muscle tone and had a cut to his muzzle when first visited by his family. 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.

Ordinary people of all ages from across the globe are today holding their own vigils or attending organised events in support of Bruce and speaking out against the cruel and inhumane law which allows this practice to continue in the UK.

As the plight of Bruce’s story travels, support for him and horror, disgust and anger against a law which permits the killing of an innocent dog based on its appearance is flooding in and the world is now watching Northern Ireland and following the case.

I look forward to your view on the legislation and plea that you please support Bruce and his owner and raise this issue in Westminster.

Yours etc

Please Visit Our Dangerous Dogs Act Section Here