Regarding the article in Belfast Telegraph Friday 4th January 2007 January 12, 2007
Posted by Jonathan Mitchell in : Latest News , trackbackAs I’m sure you are aware, the Belfast Telegraph published a story last Friday, 5 January 2007, entitled “Animal charity’s pit bull probe’ which was based on video footage recorded secretly at the Sanctuary. This article raised serious issues relating to the supply of pit bull terriers, a banned breed under the 1992 Dangerous Dogs Order (NI).
The Management Committee gave the following statement to the Belfast Telegraph, which it published as part of the article:
We would like to assert that the comments allegedly expressed by a member of staff in question are not in any way those held by the management of Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary. The Sanctuary has always worked within the law and indeed has worked closely in the past and will continue to work with the P.S.N.I., local authorities and relevant government agencies to maintain the health and welfare of both cats and dogs in Northern Ireland. The Chairman of the Executive Committee, Stephen O’Neill, comments:
“We have always maintained a good working relationship with the relevant agencies and would not like to think that the personal opinions of one member of staff would jeopardise this close association.
“The Executive Committee will investigate these allegations thoroughly and, should they be substantiated, we will take very strong disciplinary action against the member of staff implicated”.
In relation to pit bull-type dogs in general, the Sanctuary would like to reiterate that it does not condone the keeping of illegal breeds and will continue to work closely with vets and local agencies to ensure that it complies with current legislation.
The Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary Committee and the Management Team of Margaret Wade and John McCartney take the issues raised in the article extremely seriously and we have launched an internal investigation.
The Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary is strongly opposed to the breeding, keeping and training of dogs for fighting. We are committed to upholding the law and support the PSNI, local authorities and government agencies in their efforts to maintain the health and welfare of animals in Northern Ireland. We recognise the difficult job faced by the USPCA and dog wardens in implementing the Dangerous Dogs Order and hold them in due respect.
Stephen O’Neill
Chairperson
Management Committee
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