Our friend's German Shepherd is muzzled. On the shortest lead possible. Following every rule.

And they still can't protect the dog when an off-leash stranger's dog attacks them in the park.

This is happening every single day across Ireland — in public parks, on footpaths, in estates. Responsible owners, who are doing everything right, are left completely defenceless when someone else's dog comes running.

The cruellest part? The muzzle that proves you are a responsible dog owner is the same thing that stops your dog from protecting itself.

You shouldn't have to choose between following the law and keeping your dog safe.

Across Ireland, dog owners have told us the same story: their leashed, trained, compliant dog was rushed at by an off-leash dog whose owner stood back and shouted "he's friendly!" — while their dog was already biting.

In Dublin. In Limerick. In Tipperary. In Westmeath. This is not rare. This is routine.

We are calling on local councils and the Department of Rural and Community Development to:

Mandate that publicly posted 'leash laws' be visible in all public parks. Introduce real consequences for off-leash incidents that result in bite attacks. Include humane deterrent STOPADOG tools in official guidance for dog owners who face unprovoked aggression.

Responsible owners have done their part. It's time the system did its.

Sign this petition for every dog owner who has ever stood between their dog and someone else's.

Note: Change.org may prompt you to donate after signing — this goes to their platform, not to us. No obligation.