Extraordinary scenes as row erupts on quiet suburban street over dog's welfare

Extraordinary scenes took place on an ordinarily quiet suburban street last night (November 17), as an ongoing row over the welfare of a dog culminated in residents staging a protest outside the owner's home.

Witnesses who spoke to the Manchester Evening News estimated that as many as 50 people descended on Alness Road, Whalley Range, at around 7pm last night to protest against the owner of a dog who - they claim - was being mistreated.

"It was bedlam," said local resident Nigel, who lives nearby in Chorlton. "There were tactical aid units everywhere, you could hardly get through by car."

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

Videos of the event posted on Facebook showed a sizeable crowd of people standing around on the street, some with their own dogs on leads and holding placards. "In Whalley Range we do not tolerate animal neglect," said one. "Your dog has the right to live a comfortable and happy life."

But the posts were shared well beyond Whalley Range. A post containing the owner's address and allegations of neglect went viral on Facebook, passing beyond local groups Chorlton M21 and Chorlton Dogs to groups in Radcliffe, Trafford, Middlesbrough and the north east.

It was also shared to Rescue & Rehoming UK Animal Alliance and SAVE OUR STRAYS, racking up thousands of comments and shares. One message encouraged "dog lovers to meet outside the property to peacefully protest and request the owner to surrender the dog to people who can care for her."

This was accompanied by a photo which purported to show the dog, a German Shepherd puppy,