On Tuesday 10th December 2024, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council collected an abandoned dog from the Dundonald area. This started a lengthy process to successfully manage the long-term wellbeing of this dog known as ‘Max’, which had been assessed as a Pit Bull Terrier type.
At the council’s October Full Council meeting (Tuesday 28th October), elected members were briefed on the chronology of this high-profile case during a confidential session.
Max was assessed four times by qualified professionals to define his type. The council submitted these assessment reports as evidence in court, which subsequently determined Max met the legal definition of a Pit Bull Terrier Type.
This case was a precedent for the council, other local government authorities and central government. Key outcomes and learnings identified were:
- Registered keepers need to understand they are liable for dogs microchipped in their name. If rehoming a dog, always ensure the microchip is updated.
- Protecting the public and acting in accordance with legislation was the overarching principle in this case. The council’s process and compliance were upheld by the court - confirming its courses of action were warranted.
- The judge independently praised the council’s officers who acted in accordance with the legislation when assessing Max; and the professionalism of all four assessors.
- Amendments required to assessment documents after they have been completed should be initialled and dated.
- Relevant government departments will be lobbied by the council seeking amendments to Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) to assist with how it is interpreted.
- Internal guidance by the council will be reviewed and continue to be followed in line with stray dogs/banned breeds legislation.
- Formalise protocols with third party organisations for any future instances to ensure that engagement and partnership arrangements are streamlined.
- All council officers should be treated with respect at all times when undertaking their duties.
The continual commitment of council officers during this nine month period to care for Max and ensure his training and socialisation needs were met was also in the report.
Alongside the required statutory and legal processes regarding banned breeds these officers had to deal with a targeted media campaign to ‘Free Max’. It impacted the physical and mental health of these dedicated officers due to inappropriate communications and the placement of misinformation and disinformation in the public domain.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council was pleased with the court ruling on Thursday 2nd October that while Max is a banned type, he could be rehomed subject to compliance with strict conditions. The new owner met these conditions and Max was transferred on Friday 17th October.