Petition Target: Greater Manchester Police, Salford Division
Location: New Islington Marina, Manchester
Created by: Bernardette Taylor

Why this petition matters

My friend, John Buckley, is a well-known member of the New Islington Marina community. Anyone who has met John knows how deeply he cares for animals — especially his dogs.

Recently, John was forced into a devastating and traumatic situation. He adopted a new dog after being told the dog was good with other animals. This was false. During feeding the dogs breakfast, the new dog — which was more than three times the size of John’s two-year-old Pug, Waffles — suddenly attacked Waffles and refused to let go.

John did everything he could to separate them safely, but nothing worked. In a life-or-death moment, John had no choice but to intervene with force to save Waffles’ life. Tragically, this resulted in the death of the newly adopted dog.

This was not an act of cruelty.
This was a desperate act of protection.
John is absolutely heartbroken by what happened.

Why Waffles is still in kennels

Waffles has been seized by Greater Manchester Police as part of an ongoing investigation. John has been released on bail, but he has not been allowed to see or have updates on Waffles. For someone who just lost his long-time companion Dusty only weeks earlier, the emotional impact has been devastating.

Waffles is not dangerous. He is a gentle, loving pug who belongs with the people he knows and trusts.

What the community knows

Local dog owners at New Islington Marina have never seen John act aggressively, neglectfully, or abusively toward any dog. On the contrary:

He is known for his love of dogs.
He walked his dogs daily.
He has always put their wellbeing first.
John acted out of panic, necessity, and love during an emergency situation that nobody could have predicted.

Our request

We, the community, ask that Greater Manchester Police:

1. Acknowledge John’s long-standing reputation as a responsible and loving dog owner.

2. Recognise the exceptional circumstances of the incident.

3. Release Waffles from kennels and return him either:

Back to John, or
Into temporary care with Bernardette (“Bee”) and her dog Thor, where Waffles will receive love, stability, and emotional support throughout the investigation.
Waffles does not need to remain isolated in a kennel.
John does not deserve to lose another dog.
And this community stands behind him.

How you can help

Please sign this petition to support John Buckley and to push for the safe release of Waffles. Every signature shows the police that John is not alone — and that the community sees the truth of what happened.

Your voice matters.
Waffles’ wellbeing matters.
John’s mental health matters.

Thank you for standing with us.