"Bring Bruce Home"
By: Shelley Bright
08/16/09

"Is the United Kingdom losing the right to call itself a "Nation of Animal Lovers"- and is the United States right behind them?  Major media giants CNN, BBC, SKY News fail miserably in covering a story that people want to hear"...

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the ways its animals are treated." Ghandi

Shame on you Northern Ireland
Shame on your bureaucracy
Shame on Northern Ireland for the neglect and cruelty inflicted on an innocent at the hands of a government agency
Shame on you Northern Ireland..your sadness as a nation-for the whole world to bear witness...

These are just some of the hundreds if not thousands of comments, and statements being written in blogs, social networking sites, and feeds in support of this dog's tragic tale.  The media attention is gaining momentum and starting to multiply at an alarming rate in aide of an innocent dog's life.

The life and dog in question belongs to "Bruce", a young, once-healthy and fit Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was living happily with his family in Northern Ireland.

His crime? None other than being a victim of his own appearance and physical characteristics.  Bruce has never shown aggression, attacked, bitten, or so much as growled at a human or animal.

His sentence? Bruce is condemned and scheduled to die at the hands of the Northern Ireland government agency regulating animal welfare and public safety, at a time of their choosing.

On September 19, 2007, this family's once quiet and peaceful world was shattered when council officials seized and confiscated Bruce, their pet, for being an alleged "pit bull type".

Bruce was taken and isolated to a government operated kennel, while his owner was taken to court for owning a banned type of dog under the Northern Ireland's Dangerous Dog Law.

Neglect, mistreatment, animal cruelty at the hands of a government agency..
Since his incarceration in September of 2007, two years have now past and  Bruce's owners have been granted only two visits during this time.

According to his owners and photographed evidence taken during these visits,

Bruce's care is questionable and distressing, to say the least.  His once healthy proportioned body is now dangerously underweight.  Where he once had muscle mass, he now has prominent protrusions of his rib and hip bones showing  through his skin.  Where he once had a beautiful lustrous and shiny coat of fur, now shows open skin sores, and deformed scarring throughout it. His nose and muzzle, show evidence of a large gaping sore festering with infection that will not heal.

But, most tragic of all is that this dog once had a lively, thumping-wagging tail so evident of his affection, sadly it is now amputated due to infection.

To hear of the way he received these injuries is even more heartbreaking, Bruce has been caged day in and day out in a kennel-crate too small, with little room to turn around, rubbing his tail and nose raw from the cramped conditions.

In response to the growing outrage and demand that a formal legal  inquiry be brought forth of the alleged violations of animal cruelty, neglect and abuse violations of the North Borough Downs Council, board certified Veterinarians are willing to testify that these types of injuries are sustained by closed-quartered confinement for prolonged periods of time resulting in painful pressure and friction sores.  Also, given that infection occurred and did not resolve, resulting in amputation of the tail, calls into serious question as to what, how and when any medical treatment was ever administered to Bruce and even, if any at all. 

According to an anonymous source directly involved with the case, who asked not to be identified, they stated,

"It is quite concerning and distressing to think that this animal who was once a young healthy animal, who came to this kennel and within the last two years has been subjected to this mistreatment and is now reduced to such a poor physical state from the obvious neglect and care at the hands of our government".

Dangerous dog?
Experts have testified and reported that,

"Regardless of the tremendous pain and isolation of  these last two years, evidenced by his poor physical condition, and despite his terrible circumstances, Bruce is still a friendly, well-adjusted dog that poses no danger to the public in any way."

These experts have testified to the courts of this fact.

"Bring Bruce Home"
Even after desperate attempts in creating public awareness and gaining public support and sympathy, creating petitions, and videos resulting in worldwide support to "Bring Bruce Home", Northern Ireland will not compromise and have failed in resolving this dog's existence.

According to a close case supporter,

"They have allowed this gentle pet dog to sit and deteriorate physically for over two years, for no reason other than a ridiculous piece of legislation, it's inexcusable."

Northern Ireland has not adopted the 1997 Amendment Act as in England, Scotland, and Wales, despite being proposed several times, meaning any dog deemed by authorities discretion to be a "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 be home and in good health long before now, alive and registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.

Northern Ireland is currently still considering legislative change, however, it has also been under consideration for these last two years.

If Bruce lived in Southern Ireland where no breeds are nationally banned he would have never been seized at all.

In Southern Ireland a reputable rescue operation has been proposed and offered for Bruce's relocation to the Northern Ireland courts.

An opportunity to continue living out the rest of his life in peace.  A perfectly viable solution and compromise for everyone involved.  But, sadly this has been rejected by the court for reasons lacking any legal validity.

According to the anonymous source,

"There is a divided and growing apprehension with government officials and the growing questions continue to surface as to what the true motivations of this care really are? This animal has done nothing wrong other than be born and unfortunately because of his physical characteristics he is now condemned to die needlessly.  He has languished for two long years, been maimed, scarred, and cruelly isolated from human contact for none other than his physical markings.  We have taken a perfectly gentle, and beautiful pet that belonged to a citizen taxpayer that employs this government to work for them, and we are destroying their pet, slowly and cruelly, it is unconscionable".

What if this was your dog?
Canine Chronicle published an article

"Anatomy of Breed Specific Legislation" by Dr. Carmen Battaglia and she states, "Anti-dog legislation is gaining momentum at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, in  most communities, dog owners do not become involved until they are faced with  the consequences of the legislation. This means that others drive the agenda  that affects their pets. Historically, the response to dog problems has been to  fight each proposal one by one, city by city. This approach no longer works as  more proposals are prepared each year. A new strategy with a more penetrating and focused effort is needed…one that embraces coalitions of informed citizens  whose purpose is to guide and steer the course of legislation and the political  future of officials who are bent on eliminating dogs from their community".

This brings to light some disturbing observations of this dangerous legislation so sporadically enacted all around the world.

It also raises speculation and outrage as to why this is not newsworthy enough for media giants CNN, BBC, and SKY news to warrant coverage.

The "Bring Bruce Home" petition has garnered over 13,000 signatures from around the world.  Public demonstrations, protests, and candlelight vigils are scheduled from the U.S. to London in support of Bruce's cause.

This case has touched and united dog lovers from around the world in support to "Bring Bruce Home".

One can not help but wonder when will we finally understand that we are all connected and intertwined, that this kind of legislation reaches far and wide, no matter the nation, no matter where in the world and that it is only a matter of time before another "Bruce" reaches our home and at our own front doors. Sadly, next time, it might be one of ours.

*****************UPDATE****************

Irish News LTD has done an article on Bruce, please read below the article.

12,000 join global campaign to save dog court ruled is illegal pit-bull

By Diana Rusk
08/07/2009

DOG lovers across the world have backed a Co Down woman’s two-year legal battle to stop her pet ‘pit-bull’ from being destroyed.

Shannon Brown’s dog Bruce was seized from its home in Bangor by North Down Borough Council wardens in September 2007 and has been in kennels ever since.

A district judge last year determined the animal was a pit-bull – an illegal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act – and ordered the animal be put down.

Despite the dog’s owner lodging an appeal in the case, the original ruling was upheld in Belfast Magistrate’s Court last Monday and it was ordered that the dog be destroyed within a week.

Ms Brown (20) then applied for a judicial review, which was dismissed but she has been given until Monday to appeal the decision in a last ditch attempt to save the animal.

It is understood the court has ruled that the animal does not pose a risk to the public.

Almost 12,000 people from all over the globe have signed an online petition to ‘Bring Bruce Home’ and protests have been organised in America with news channel CNN covering the case.

Northern Ireland is unique in Britain and Ireland because all animals a court decides are pit-bull types must be destroyed.

Ms Brown last night insisted her pet was not dangerous. "He has never harmed anyone,” she said. “We found Bruce as a puppy in a cardboard box on Albert Street in Bangor and he was just over two years old when he was seized.

“I have always maintained that he is not a pit-bull but that he is a Staffordshire-Bull Terrier.

“He lived with me and my partner’s child, who was three years old, and a Labrador and never caused any harm to either of them.

“I understand pit-bulls being used for fighting would be a danger but this was a family pet who was never abused in any way.”

She said a dog sanctuary in the Republic of Ireland where pit-bulls are a legal breed, has offered to provide a home to Bruce.

Ms Brown said she would be “heartbroken” if her pet is destroyed and hopes international support for her case can add pressure.

“The response has been brilliant and crazy and completely unexpected,” she said.

“There are signatures from all over the world – Italy, South Africa, China, everywhere – protests have been held in America over Bruce and CNN has covered it.”

David Brown from North Down Borough Council said wardens were carrying out their duty when they seized the dog on 19 September 2007 after reports that the animal was an illegal breed.

However, he agreed the legislation around dangerous dogs in Northern Ireland is “not fit for purpose”.

“The judges don’t like it. We don’t like it and we hope the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will soon clarify the legislation,” he said.

“We have been inundated with hundreds of emails and telephone calls from around the world in this case.”

Dangerous dog legislation

- Northern Ireland is the only place in Britain and Ireland where dogs found to be of the pit-bull type must be destroyed under legislation

- Pit-bulls are one of four dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

- In 1997 an amendment to the Act was accepted in England, Scotland and Wales removing the mandatory destruction order for illegal breeds if the court accepts the animal does not pose a risk to the public

- These dogs are entered on to the Index of Exempted Dogs instead of being destroyed

- However, the amendment was never extended to Northern Ireland

- The case is even more clear cut in the Republic where no breeds are banned and some dog sanctuaries operating there give homes to pit-bulls from the north

- Legislation is being reviewed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

- On November 20 2007, agriculture minister Michelle Gildernew announced a review of the Dangerous Dogs Act and dog fighting legislation

- She has held meetings with the PSNI and representatives of District Councils to consider what action should be taken but no decisions have yet been made

- In March she said she would present a bill to the assembly after the summer recess

- It is the responsibility of district councils to enforce the act even though many dog wardens have been calling for amendments to be made to the legislation

- The maximum penalty for owning a banned dog type is six months imprisonment or a £5,000 fine

End of story

***********************************************************************************

Below are a few hundred of the signatures on the petition in support of "Bring Bruce Home".  As of 7/9/09 the signature count was at 12,577 and still going strong, with more signatures being added every minute.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/BRING-BRUCE-HOME-X

We signed the "[BRiiNG..BRUCE..HOME!!]{WE..MiiSS..HiiM}" petition!

# 12,577:

***************UPDATE***************

Maria Daines fronts a hard rockin' band playing original material written by Maria & guitarist Paul Killington. Hailing from Cambridgeshire, UK, they formed in 1996 becoming a fixture of the live music scene & making several TV appearances, garnering fans in over 20 countries. Featured on BBC & FM radio the band opened for US artist Pink at Cardiff International Arena in 2007. The concert raised over £90,000 for six animal welfare charities. Maria & Paul continue to work ceaselessly on the many facets of their songwriting with project pieces finding placement in TV/film production. Daines/Killington songs are published by NorthStar Music UK & available for artist consideration.

Maria has now written and recorded a song in support to "Bring Bruce Home", it can be heard on her page at:

http://www.myspace.com/mariadaines

And a poem written in honor of Bruce below:

'BSL MUST END'
by Maria Daines

I'm reading about Bruce the pit bull mix
Banned from his family because of what he is.
I'm wiping my tears, I'm hurt inside
Thousands of signatures, a petition - no crime.
Dogs like Bruce are pushed out of sight
They are dragged away, they have no rights
They are banished with no bail, they mourn, become frail...
In the darkness of ignorance there are no wagging tails.
These dogs are removed from where they grew up
With teddy bears and play toys and arms that hugged
With people that smiled, with families that loved
There is no forgiveness? When is love not enough?
I'm upset once again and I quietly cry
I've read so many stories of the bully breeds plight
So many are taken by Breed Specific Legislation
An unworkable law for any dog loving nation.
Discriminating, cruel, hurtful, unfair
An act of horror on paper written by those who don't care
Used by those in high places who think they are clever
Think of the hearts they have broken forever...
BSL is destructive, it will never be humane
It's a horrible trick of name and shame
It's a bad deed unto dog lovers and the dogs that they love
Responsible owners are given the shove
While real villains and abusers who hang around on street corners
Are beating the system 'above' law and order
They continue to fight their dogs and deal drugs
And good people that care are treated like thugs
People who take their dogs to the vets, who microchip, neuter
Hope for the best...
Good dogs are forgotten when BSL strikes
It cuts rough and deep, regardless of 'bite'
I could call 'you' a pit bull Mr politician
Would you be dragged away? Would you need a petition?
This poem is a way to express my sorrow
As I wipe my tears and worry about tomorrow
BSL is a nightmare, a political farce
It might even be funny if it didn't cost lives
Your neighbour could say your dog is 'a risk'
And then you could find his name on a list
Your beautiful pup, your elderly mix
Where will you stand if he's seized by police?
So speak up LOUD and speak up NOW!
For the rights of families to protect their hounds
Speak up and speak out before it's too late
BSL is a law based purely on hate!
When the knock comes to the door and your dog starts barking
How will you stop this law from working?
What will you say when they muzzle your friend?
When they drag him away and tell you he's banned?
When he's labelled a 'problem' because his face fits a 'look'
And they tell you he is dangerous, when you know he is not.
Who will be there for you if politicians don't care?
When your dog is destroyed just because he is there...
Who will protect the over bred pups
Whose lives are cut short in a game called luck?
Who will you look to when your dog makes the list?
When he's banned and brutalised, no parole, no release�
He's your pet; he's your brother, your sister, your friend
She's your family member, the one you defend
Who will you turn to when BSL strikes?
Speak up one and all - because justice is right.
I'm a lawful good citizen; I do good deeds if I can
But BSL stinks and I raise my hand
I will never uphold a law such as this!
It's an almighty mistake and your dog could be next...
It's inherently cruel, unbearably bad
When the law is an ass good people get mad!
Write letters, get marching, the time surely has come
We must kick the backside of the BSL bum!
They will tell you it's only 'for your protection' - oh yes!
They will spew lies for England, for they do it best!
But this lie isn't working, it won't pass the test
For your Staffies, your Mastiffs, your bully breed friend
You have every chance to bring BSL to an end
Take the bull by the horns and never give in
Say NO to this rubbish, send BSL to the bin!

Maria Daines 2009