Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown Council have imposed a policy, in which restricted breeds, such as German shepherds, staffs, and pitbulls, in the Dublin County Shelter from DLR area are not eligible for rehoming or transfer to a rescue organisation, but are to be euthanised within a meagre 5 days. The horror of this cruel practice is appalling and profoundly ignorant.

This is not only a threat to these innocent dogs but also undermines the foremost principles of animal welfare. Restricted breeds are not any more dangerous than other breeds when properly cared for and trained (RSPCA, 2019). The least restrictive approach has not been implemented. This haste to euthanise stems not from evidence-driven insights, but from stereotypes and fear.

Animal cruelty should never be an acceptable solution. Let's stand together and fight this myopic decision made by Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Council. We call for immediate intervention to halt this practice, replace it with a law focusing on owner responsibility and breeder accountability, and work towards creating a more compassionate, well-informed community for both humans and dogs.

It's time to raise our voice and take action. Sign this petition and join the movement to stop the killing of these innocent lives.