Lisburn and Castlereagh Council believe is Max is a banned breed
A suspected pitbull dog’s fate is in the hands of Lisburn and Castlereagh council after a proposal for the council and USPCA to agree on a third party assessment of the puppy’s breed was rejected.
Max the puppy, a stray found in Dundonald in early December (2024), was due to be put to sleep after council dog wardens deemed he was a pitbull type dog and should be scheduled to be put down under Breed Specific Legislation (BSL).
However, an online petition started just before Christmas has gained over 11,000 signatures calling for the dog’s release amid a USPCA request to foster Max out until an independent third party can asses the dog’s breed.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) now understands the original owner of seven month old Max has been contacted by the council, but has refused to take the microchipped pet back saying they had sold the dog on.
In chambers this week, Lisburn independent councillor, Gary Hynds said:
“There has been a lot of public interest on Max the dog. I would like to propose that the council agree with the USPCA on an impartial third party assessor for Max so we can get clarity on his breed.
“This is a very sensitive subject and there is a lot of concerns.”
Castlereagh East DUP Alderman, Sharon Skillen added:
“There was an agreement in December for a third party assessment. I would like to know if this has not happened, then why has it not and when is it going to take place?
“Legislation on dog assessments needs to be reviewed and I would hope DAERA would do that as it is not up to councillors. Max has been in kennels now for a number of weeks and I would be keen that a resolution could be found.”
The chamber also heard requests from elected members for Max to be fostered out until his assessment could be carried out, but this was refused by the council due to regulations on banned dogs.
A committee director said:
“The legislation is clear on proscribed breeds. Such a dog cannot be bred, sold or re-homed and that includes fostering. The dog has already been assessed by two council officers.
“The kennels are DAERA approved. We are progressing a third party assessment and we are in regular engagement with the USPCA and have a meeting next week. It is the council which has full responsibility in this matter.”
The proposal by Cllr Hynds did not receive support.