Max the dog is unlikely to be released from the pound for Christmas, the head of the USPCA has said as the charity pledges to continue to work with the council for his release.
The five-month-old dog was found stray at the beginning of the month and taken into Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council care from a rescue centre a few weeks later, 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: 'Army' of worried dog lovers call on NI council not to kill five month old puppy
USPCA Chief Executive Nora Smith told Belfast Live that the charity is continuing to work with the council to ensure that Max is able to be released to a foster family until he is able to be properly assessed when he matures.
However, she said that it is unlikely that Max will be released from the pound for Christmas.
She said: "Firstly, we will continue to work with the council as we call for Max to be released as soon as possible to a foster family who are prepared to look after him until he is able to be properly assessed.
"While it is unlikely that he will be out for Christmas, we do not want to see Max spend an extended period of time in the pound as there is a chance that he could develop behavioural issues, while currently he poses absolutely no risk to the public.
"Secondly, this shows the issues with the current legislation which puts the focus on dog breeds rather than the responsibility of the owner. We should not be in a position where puppies are being typed before they reach maturity.
"The USPCA has always spoken out against this legislation and we will continue to call for urgent reforms in order to protect dogs like Max in the future."
A petition started by Rosie Cummings calling for Max's release has received over 6,000 signatures in the space of a few days, with campaigners saying they will continue to fight for Max's release.
Althought the USPCA has said that Max cannot be properly assessed yet due to his age, LCCC says that it has identified him as a banned breed and cannot release him to a foster family as a result of this.
A Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council spokesperson said: "The council has been carefully considering the circumstances surrounding the abandoned dog which was collected on 10 December 2024.
"We are very mindful of the significant public commentary and concern surrounding this issue.
"At the council meeting on 17 December, it was agreed to arrange an additional assessment to provide further assurance on the identification of the breed. We will appoint an independent, external agency to complete this assessment as early as possible in the New Year.
"The dog is currently safe and secure and will be looked after in a DAERA approved kennel until the testing is complete. The legislation is clear that the dog cannot be temporarily re-homed as it has been identified as a banned breed. It would be considered an offence for the council to place this dog in the care of any individual or family. No action will be taken until further assessment is complete.
"We understand that this is a very distressing situation. We are committed to ensuring that all necessary measures are taken and that we are compliant with relevant legislation in the interests of public safety.
"We would urge anyone who may own this dog to please contact 028 9244 7397."
If you would like to support the petition calling for Max's release you can do so via this link.
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