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, outside in a gated enclosure. Believed to be a young female named Sheba, the dog was pictured next to a wooden shed, by which there were several blankets on the floor and an upturned food bowl.
Other photos circulating on Facebook depicted what appeared to be the same dog lying on flagstones, surrounded by blankets and sheets. Another still purported to show the floor of an outdoor patio covered in faeces - supposedly of that same enclosure.
The M.E.N understands that the row began the previous Monday (November 11) when local residents first posted the photo of Sheba on a local group. They had apparently made several previous attempts to have dialogue with her owners, including offering to walk her, after hearing her crying.
"We offered our concern about the welfare of the puppy," the residents said. "They were aware that the community was in uproar about it. But they didn't want to know."
Local residents also said they had contacted police, the RSPCA and the local environmental health agency, and alleged that all three had said there was "nothing they can do."
The M.E.N understands that an inspection visit had been made on Sunday November 18, and no welfare issues were identified. But local residents said they had previously seen evidence to the contrary.
"It was living in terrible conditions, out in the rain and the cold, getting no attention," the residents told the M.E.N. "It was a puppy so it was very distressing. So we went to Facebook to ask if anyone had any suggestions."
"We went through all the right channels," they said, "but no-one was taking any notice. So it got taken over by the dog-loving community."
"At the protest there were families with dogs, there were children, we emphasised it would be a peaceful stance. We wanted to show them how we treat dogs in this community - you can't treat them in this disgusting manner."
"It became like a community stance against the mistreatment of animals. It just escalated from there. And then people decided to take the matter into their own hands."
Last night (November 18) 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. "You're not doing anything," shouted one woman in a video posted to Facebook. "Are you gonna get the dog or not?"
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 then 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.
Today (November 18) lively debate has continued on local Facebook groups. A video posted to Chorlton M21, which showed Sheba being carried out of the property, has more than a thousand likes and 400 comments, with some saying they were watching from Liverpool, Ireland and even as far as New Zealand.
"God bless that beautiful dog!! Big up the Whalley Range community, you all should be proud!", wrote Rhea Haughton.
"Community effort. So proud of you all for making this happen. Gives me hope for the world. I will treat my dog Dixon extra well tonight. Let love win," wrote Anja Löbert.
"We wish it hadn't had to happen like this, but we're happy with the outcome," said the local residents. "It's just a shame it had to come to this."
"It was out of concern for the dog. It was nothing else, it was not malicious to a family, we're a peaceful neighbourhood. But there was no alternative but to take action."
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "We are aware of this - unfortunately we are unable to discuss complaints about specific people.
"We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare."
A solicitor for the owner's family said in a statement: "Mr Tahir and his family have been the victims of assault. A large group of people broke into Mr Tahir's property where his wife and children were threatened and attacked.
"Mr Tahir and his 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, who are taking no further action.
"It is understood that the assault of Mr Tahir's 12-year-old daughter is under investigation."
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."