Quiet suburban street taken over by protestors after row over dog's welfare

A large crowd of at least 50 people descended on a home in Whalley Range, Manchester, amid concerns for the welfare of a family's German Shepherd dog known as Sheba

A massive row erupted over the welfare of a dog as residents staged a protest outside the owner’s home.

Dozens of people descended on the road in Whalley Range, Manchester, amid claims the animal was being mistreated. Videos of the incident posted on Facebook showed a crowd of people standing around on the street, some with their own dogs on leads and holding placards.

One resident, known only as Nigel, said: "It was bedlam, there were tactical aid units everywhere, you could hardly get through by car.

"There was a lot of commotion, it was very lively. I was amazed by the numbers who turned out and the police presence.”

The row began last week when local residents posted photos of German Shepherd Sheba on a local group as they claimed to hear her crying and laying on the floor covered in faeces, according to the Manchester Evening News. An inspection visit has since been made, and no welfare issues identified.

Protestors shouted "bring the dog out" and "shame on you". Some videos showed them banging on the gate of the property, a large house with its own gated courtyard.

Others put their phones over the gate to record the vehicles inside, with registration plates visible, which were then uploaded to Facebook. Attempts were also made to identify the owner, as screenshots from Companies House which matched the address were also posted online. Police then arrived and attempted to move people back away from the walls of the property.

It was reported that one of the protestors then gained access to the back of the property, breaking through the fence, in an attempt to free the dog. Members of the family emerged, there was an altercation, and the dog was again taken inside the house.

Further tactical aid units arrived, with officers then appearing to enter the property to speak to people inside. By about 9pm, they reappeared, one officer carrying Sheba the dog in his arms.

There were jubilant cheers, applause and shouts of "well done officers" as the animal was placed in a police vehicle. The crowd then peacefully dispersed, though a police car remained parked outside the property for some time afterwards.

A solicitor for the owner's family said in a statement: "The family have been the victims of assault. A large group of people broke into the property where his wife and children were threatened and attacked.

"The family have been the victims of harassment as a result of false social media posts which inappropriately allege animal neglect." The animal has now been removed for the safety of the family, and all allegations of animal neglect have not been upheld by Greater Manchester Police and the RSPCA, which is taking no further action.

Greater Manchester Police said: "We are aware of concerns raised in the local area regarding the wellbeing of a dog on Alness Road, Manchester. Following reports to the council and police, the dog and her living conditions were checked by an officer from the RSPCA on Sunday. Later, she was taken by police officers for further assessments, where she remains in kennels in a positive condition.

"Enquiries are ongoing in relation to wider issues from a protest that occurred on Sunday linked to the concern for the dog. We would urge residents to refrain from making speculative comments about the incident online as our work continues with the RSPCA and Manchester City Council. Anyone found to be taking matters into their own hands or engaging in illegal behaviour can expect to be dealt with by officers."