A councillor has urged Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to "follow the advice of the USPCA" as Max the dog remains in council care.
Max, who is believed to be around five to seven months old, was seized by the council at the start of December last year with it being determined that Max was going to be put down as he was believed to be a banned breed.
However, this move was stopped following an intervention from concerned dog lovers across Northern Ireland, local politicians and the USPCA, who have said that due to Max's age he cannot be properly assessed.
Read more: Over 11,000 support release of Max the dog after Christmas and New Year in the pound
Independent Unionist Councillor Gary Hynds said he hopes that Max's case can be resolved soon and has urged the council to follow the advice of the charity.
He said: “When I first heard about the case of Max, I was concerned. As a council and councillors we then got very clear concerns and advice quickly provided by the USPCA. We should be following their advice, and I have said so both in the chamber and to council officers.
"It’s disappointing that hasn’t been the case to date, however, I am hoping this can be fully resolved very soon. It’s ok to admit you get things wrong at times, if you correct the wrong, and that’s a position the council is in, in my view. We need to work with the USPCA and do the right thing on this, as soon as possible.”
The USPCA is continuing to engage with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council as it calls for an impartial third-party assessor to assess Max in the hopes of securing the young dogs release.
A spokesperson: "The USPCA is aware of the current situation involving Max, the puppy who is presently being held at a Council pound awaiting re-assessment. Our primary concern is the well-being of Max, and we are fully committed to ensuring that this process is handled with the utmost care, professionalism, and in line with the best interests of the animal.
"We understand that a critical next step in Max’s case is the re-assessment process, and we urge the Council to work in close partnership with the USPCA to agree on an impartial third-party assessor. This collaboration will ensure that the re-assessment is thorough, unbiased, and conducted by an individual or organisation with the expertise needed to make an informed decision.
"At the USPCA, we firmly believe in the importance of a fair and transparent process. We are dedicated to working alongside the relevant authorities and all involved parties to ensure that Max’s future is decided in a manner that reflects his needs, safety, and welfare. The outcome of this re-assessment will not only impact Max’s future but also set an important precedent for how similar cases are managed moving forward.
"The USPCA remains in communication with the Council, and we are hopeful that a positive and cooperative solution will be reached promptly. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for Max’s best interests at every stage of this process."
If you would like to support the petition calling for Max's release you can do so via this link.
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