Friday July 3, 2009, 3:57 pm



URGENT ACTION ALERT - DDA Watch



Eleventh Hour Mercy Plea to Save Death Row Dog Bruce

PLEASE CROSSPOST

Urgent Plea for a Pardon/Intervention to Allow Export of Bruce to Eire:
http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/3045/eleventh-hour-mercy-plea-to-save-death-row-dog-bruce/

All that needs to be done to let a friendly dog live is for Bruce to be allowed safe passage from Northern to Southern Ireland and Bruce needs your support again during his eleventh hour.

We are asking supporters to contact the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Shaun Woodward MP) and Ministers urging them to use compassion and discretion by granting Bruce a Pardon removing the penalty imposed – the mandatory death sentence with the provision that Bruce is moved to the rescue placement ready and waiting for him in Southern Ireland. For a nation who claims to be animal lovers this would be the expected outcome.

As the court has ordered that Bruce be destroyed someone will be expected to administer the fatal injection. Veterinary surgeons take a sworn oath and promise to safeguard the welfare of animals committed into their care. In line with this sworn promise we are calling on all veterinary professionals within the UK to take a stand and refuse to kill Bruce - a healthy, wanted animal who poses no danger to the public & has a rescue space waiting for him in Eire. Bruce’s legal owner does not give consent for Bruce to be destroyed.

Please help by contacting the relevant authorities (template letters available) – details below to add your support to “Saving Bruce”.


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Please copy and send the following letters to individuals indicated....





To: ps.ministers@ofmdfmni.gov.uk ; public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk ;





Subject: Urgent Plea for a Pardon/Intervention to Allow Export of Bruce to Eire





Honorable Officials, Ladies, Gentlemen:





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 an innocent 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. Northern Ireland is however currently considering legislative change but this is not likely to be achieved in time to save Bruce.





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, Honorable Officials, Ladies, Gentlemen, 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.





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





Yours faithfully,

Friday July 3, 2009, 3:58 pm



LETTER TO VETS:

To: hq@vetireland.ie ; info@vetni.co.uk ; jo.gibson@vetni.co.uk ; admin@rcvs.org.uk ; registrar@rcvs.org.uk





Subject: Urgent Plea to Refuse to Administer Fatal Injection





Gentlemen, Ladies,





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 an innocent life by urging your members not to participate in the death of a young dog.





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. Northern Ireland is however currently considering legislative change but this is not likely to be achieved in time to save Bruce.





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 may be requested to administer the fatal injection that will kill Bruce and we beg of you to allow Bruce the chance of life by refusing to destroy a happy friendly dog. This is all that is needed. I am sure, as a veterinary professional 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 by refusing to destroy Bruce so needlessly and urging your members to do the same. Please save Bruce and allow a blameless animal the chance of life.





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





Yours faithfully,

Friday July 3, 2009, 3:58 pm



LETTER TO THE MEDIA





To: news@spectatornewspapers.co.uk





Dear Sirs:





Shannon-Leah Brown's dog Bruce to Die on Monday, July 6, 2009 Just Because She is a PitBull





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. Northern Ireland is however currently considering legislative change but this is not likely to be achieved in time to save Bruce.





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.





Please help Bruce and intervene to allow Bruce the chance of life by refusing to destroy a happy friendly dog. This is all that is needed. I am sure 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 having to see Bruce destroyed so needlessly. Please add your voice to help save 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 truly,

Friday July 3, 2009, 4:29 pm
Thanks, Cher! Have sent letters yesterday!I hope Stu and Bruce ( both confined by court and in death row) can be saved. Let´s try!

Friday July 3, 2009, 4:29 pm
Oh dear God, please....this is just terrible....beyond words!! I'll fwd and write my emails the best I can, Cher!! I'll also remember Bruce in my prayers which will really help!! Thnx Cher!!

Friday July 3, 2009, 4:33 pm
I'LL DO EVERYTHING I CAN CHER. THANK-YOU.

Friday July 3, 2009, 4:40 pm
Noted and sent emails earlier/thanks Cher

Friday July 3, 2009, 5:00 pm
noted cher

Friday July 3, 2009, 5:03 pm
This is just horrible, I'll forward and e mail, thanks Cher

Friday July 3, 2009, 5:08 pm
hi thanks cher,yes poor bruce has to be saved we need the voices of animal lovers to help this poor dog who cant defend himself its a dam disgrace ,and so sad l have every thing crossed for bruce as am sure you all have

Friday July 3, 2009, 5:08 pm
E-mails sent. I pray Bruce lives. Thanks Cher.

Friday July 3, 2009, 6:09 pm
BSL ALWAYS GETS TO ME.ALL MY DOG FRIENDS FEEL THE SAME WAY, WHICH I'LL FORWARD TO THEM.
I SENT THE EMAILS AS WELL.
THIS JUST STINKS!@!
TX CHER THIS IS VERY UNFAIR!!!!

Friday July 3, 2009, 6:37 pm
How totally ignorant of these judges, a nation of dog lovers indeed! Utterly shameful, my heart goes out to this poor dog and his family.

Friday July 3, 2009, 7:18 pm
Thanks Cher, this is very unjust.

Friday July 3, 2009, 7:19 pm
Just sent the letters and will post in FB-this just defies any reason or kindness or compassion or anything-and they don't seem to want to justify it-if this dog has a rescue to take it in Southern Ireland-what on earth is the problem. This just seems to be simple brutal ignorance.

Friday July 3, 2009, 8:22 pm
What do they care as long as this dog is out of their jurisdiction? This is just crazy. People are just morons!!!

Friday July 3, 2009, 9:23 pm
Noted,posted and e-mails sent. Man will never learn,you can,t judge every being due to the actions of a few.

Friday July 3, 2009, 9:32 pm
Noted and crossposted!

Saturday July 4, 2009, 1:16 am
Cher: have been doing some e-mailing and posting to groups. Even sent a message to Prince Charles's office! Found this this morning dated July 3rd:

Breaking: Death Row Dog Bruce is Given Stay of Execution

July 3, 2009 by K9 Magazine News Editor

We have learned that yesterday a Barrister attended High Court for judicial review in the case of Bruce, the dog who has been condemned to die despite having a home offered to him in a country where he would allowed to live happily. The counsel has granted an undertaking that until every avenue of the law has been explored, Bruce will not be destroyed. What this means is that Bruce is ’safe’ but only for NOW.

His life still hangs in the balance while ‘every legal avenue is explored’. So please, do not give up in your efforts to make your voice heard. Bruce should not even be where he is now. He has a home waiting. He has NEVER done anything wrong. He has not been deemed a ‘dangerous dog’ he has been deemed an ‘illegal’ dog based on a completely flawed piece of legislation.

BUT we need to carry on with this! BSL is awful, it affect adverely mainly responsible owners and their pets , it is totally inapplicable as to "what is the dangerous breed type" because it depends on someone's opininon about "look" and it still leaves criminals to carry on with their rotten acitivites like dogfighting!

Saturday July 4, 2009, 2:37 am
Bruce must be saved!

Saturday July 4, 2009, 7:46 am
What a sick world we live in!!!


www.freewebs.com/howtohelpanimals

Saturday July 4, 2009, 7:51 am
I will do everything possible to save Bruce. Thank you so much for this Cher.

Saturday July 4, 2009, 10:36 am
Noted and letters sent.
Plus some prayers sent up:)

Saturday July 4, 2009, 10:39 am
All e-mails sent. Hope we could save Bruce!!!!
Crossposted & fb, thanks Cher.

Saturday July 4, 2009, 10:39 am



Thank You Michelle!!!!!

Saturday July 4, 2009, 10:39 am



Thnx so very much everyone!!!!!!!!

Saturday July 4, 2009, 11:46 am
Emails sent and story forwarded. Thanks Cher!

Saturday July 4, 2009, 12:34 pm
Thanks for crossposting the alert message Cher, much appreciated.

Please keep pushing for Bruce to be reprieved and sent to the rescue in Southern Ireland, he must be so miserable, his condition is very poor, this ordeal has taken it's toll. :(

We must never give up, thanks to all !

Saturday July 4, 2009, 1:38 pm
I sent the emails and forwarded the story encouraging others to forward as well. Poor Bruce I pray this will move people who can save him to do so and send him where he is wanted and will be well cared for. Thanks for informing us of Bruce's need for help. Take care.

Saturday July 4, 2009, 2:00 pm
I'm not too late am i? i desperately hope not...i'll get as many people to send emails as i can in the hope that Bruce can be saved...please let me know xx

Saturday July 4, 2009, 2:06 pm
Have sent all the emails.

Saturday July 4, 2009, 2:08 pm
Cher your link comes up with an advert forcing subscriptions that one cannot by-pass!. But I had all the data - had already forwarded this to my friends a few days ago.

Saturday July 4, 2009, 2:10 pm
ok i've done as much as i can so i just desperately hope im not too late...i shall keep checking here

poor bruce, never hurt anyone...i shall pray for him xx

Saturday July 4, 2009, 2:45 pm
Taken care of yesterday, thanks Cher

Saturday July 4, 2009, 3:18 pm
Dogs are sacred,intelligent beyond humans, they speak the language of the birds as all animals do, humans are ignorant of all the gifts they bring to us daily,please open your hearts to save this sacred teacher to all mankind,yakoke sacred spirit of Nashoba Tokbi/white wolf's little brothers and sisters

Saturday July 4, 2009, 3:35 pm
Done & crossposted.

Saturday July 4, 2009, 3:47 pm



Dog lovers around the world have reacted in horror to the recent news that the high profile case of pet dog “Bruce” may finally be over as a court orders he be destroyed in a few days time ending an exhaustive twenty one month battle to save him.

Bruce was a young Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 contrary to the Dangerous Dogs Act (Northern Ireland) Order 1991.

Whilst incarcerated in kennels his family were allowed to visit their dog in October 2007, Bruce had lost weight, muscle tone and had an open 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, weeping and had become infected, he tail had been amputated due to damage and infection, he had open pressure sores, was underweight and looked totally broken and 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.



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. Judgement was given two weeks later on the 12th September and Bruce was ordered destroyed devastating his family and supporters.

A legal appeal was lodged and a brief hearing on the 12th November 2008 listed the case for mention on 12th January 2009.

A further hearing in March 2009 was scheduled to set a date for the full Appeal. But, as we understand it, at this hearing the Judge gave Bruce a reprieve, as she believed Bruce does not pose a danger to the public. It was unclear how this potentially groundbreaking ruling would proceed as the Judge did not contest that Bruce had been found to be a pit bull type but decided as he posed no danger to the public he could be returned to his owner under the conditions that apply to pit bull types in England: Bruce’s owner was trying to obtain third party liability insurance for him as a pit bull type in Northern Ireland. As it is illegal to have a “pit bull type” in Northern Ireland no insurance company was able to offer insurance cover.

A further court date was set for 29th June 2009 to decide how this ruling for Bruce could proceed and the Judge ordered destruction.

In a desperate attempt to save Bruce, owner Shannon Brown, supporters and neighbours have created petitions, online networking groups and videos resulting in worldwide support to “Bring Bruce Home”. Bruce remains on canine death row, removed from his family home, alone and unaware of the worldwide support he has to spare his life.

Despite being debated several times, Northern Ireland has not adopted the provisions within the1997 Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act allowing friendly pet dogs found to be unlawful by appearance, but posing no danger to the public, to be allowed to live. In England, Scotland and Wales, a dog found to be “pit bull type” by the courts can be ordered entered onto the Index of Exempted Dogs as an alternative to destruction. If the Amendment had been accepted in Northern Ireland, the court would have been able to exercise discretion as with the rest of the UK - Bruce is likely to have been home long before now, alive and well registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.

If Bruce lived across the border in Southern Ireland where no breeds are nationally banned he would never have been seized and imprisoned at all. Bruce has been offered a place of safety with a dedicated rescue and sanctuary in Southern Ireland where he could legally live out the rest of his life; this offer has been conveyed in writing to the solicitor but has sadly not been accepted by the court.

Bruce hasn’t actually ever put a paw wrong; he is sentenced to death due to the way he looks and the fact that NI has a mandatory death penalty unlike the rest of the UK who gave the courts discretion when sentencing twelve years ago.

Bruce and his family have endured much mental and physical anguish and pain solely due to a draconian law. His owner is simply a young dog owner who has been struggling for nearly two years to save her dogs life.

All that needs to be done to let a friendly dog live is for Bruce to be allowed safe passage from Northern to Southern Ireland and Bruce needs your support again during his eleventh hour.

We are asking supporters to contact the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Shaun Woodward MP) and Ministers urging them to use compassion and discretion by granting Bruce a Pardon removing the penalty imposed – the mandatory death sentence with the provision that Bruce is moved to the rescue placement ready and waiting for him in Southern Ireland. For a nation who claims to be animal lovers this would be the expected outcome.

As the court has ordered that Bruce be destroyed someone will be expected to administer the fatal injection. Veterinary surgeons take a sworn oath and promise to safeguard the welfare of animals committed into their care. In line with this sworn promise we are calling on all veterinary professionals within the UK to take a stand and refuse to kill Bruce - a healthy, wanted animal who poses no danger to the public & has a rescue space waiting for him in Eire. Bruce’s legal owner does not give consent for Bruce to be destroyed.

Please help by contacting the relevant authorities (template letters available) – details below to add your support to “Saving Bruce”.

Saturday July 4, 2009, 5:13 pm
Did all the emails through an email that was sent to me.

Saturday July 4, 2009, 5:34 pm
Noted and letters sent.

Saturday July 4, 2009, 7:20 pm
Done!

Saturday July 4, 2009, 9:07 pm
DONE THANK-YOU CHER

Saturday July 4, 2009, 9:12 pm
NOTED & FORWARDING & THX. CHER.........

Saturday July 4, 2009, 10:02 pm
Email sent. Thanks for sharing..

Sunday July 5, 2009, 2:13 am
Sent all the emails.
Thank you for making us aware of this abominable situation, Cher.

Sunday July 5, 2009, 3:57 am
Have noted and commented thanks

Sunday July 5, 2009, 7:55 am
Action taken, emails sent.
Will cross post too, with thanks Cher and to everybody who sent this to me.

Sunday July 5, 2009, 11:21 am
http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/1184821

Please contact cnn - to break this story world wide thank you

phrend

Sunday July 5, 2009, 12:32 pm
thanks Valerie for passing this on, I have commented on the site and will forward

Sunday July 5, 2009, 7:31 pm



please also see...

http://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/

Monday July 6, 2009, 7:19 am
Sending Letters Out Today! This is so heartbreaking...
blessings

Monday July 6, 2009, 2:17 pm
Noted and all letters sent. Plus a few prayers for the dog and the owner.

Monday July 6, 2009, 4:27 pm
letters sent fingers crossed

Tuesday July 7, 2009, 4:21 am
Saint francis the saint for animals pls help save this boy from the hell he has been through and help him to go back home to his family as he is so innocent pls do a miracle for him.

Thursday July 9, 2009, 6:10 am
Hi Cher, you are really doing great work! I know your heart is in this so much..I hope it all turns out for the best--for Bruce! I sent all letters: to the press, the vets, and to the officials as well. I am going to cross-post to facebook and here in our groups. Please let me know any news updates--Thank you for defending Bruce ♥