Stormont rally in memory of Codie the dog

THE owners of Codie the dog, who had to be put to sleep after being set alight, are encouraging local people to support their campaign to tackle animal cruelty in Northern Ireland.

The Agnew family from Maghaberry, alongside Green Party leader Steven Agnew are holding an event at Stormont this Saturday, November 24, where members of the public are invited to bring along their dog as a show of support for the cause.

“Animal welfare is an issue that needs to be taken very seriously and the horrific case of what happened to Cody and the Agnew family who owned him is simply heart breaking and shocking,” he said.

“I am sponsoring this event to highlight the issue of animal welfare and the need for a better and more co-ordinated approach to enforcement in Northern Ireland and strong legal consequences for perpetrators.”

The Agnew family are calling on the public to join the rally to promote better detection, enforcement and legal redress for those who perpetrate crimes against animals in Northern Ireland.

In August, they were forced to put their pet Collie to sleep after he suffered horrific burns in an attack near their Maghaberry home.

Two 21-year-old men have been bailed in connection with the attack but no one has been charged.

The Agnew family intend to give money that was donated to them for Cody’s care to a number of local animal welfare organisations including Guide Dogs and Assisi Animal Sanctuary in Bangor.

Martin Agnew said: “We are looking forward to Saturday so we can say thank you to so many people who helped us through all of this and give over the rest of the money to the animal charities. We have wristbands for sale and have ordered Justice for Codie bags that Karen Beaton had made for us so if all get sold there should be loads of money to split between the charities.

“We hope the rain stays away and people can bring their dogs along.”

The event runs from 1pm-3pm.