People were horrified over a small dog being mauled to death in Melbourne earlier this week.
A woman's three dogs accidentally got let out of a property shortly before a walk in Parkenham when one of them approached a leashed Staffy that was also on a walk.
The Staffy, named Hero, was accused of biting the Dachshund, named Coco, causing it to bleed to death. The owner of the Staffy insisted her dog was just defending her and her son and isn't to blame.
The matter is being investigated by the local council, but as that goes on, an online campaign to save the Staffy has picked up a massive following.
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Emma McLean started the petition on Change.org just 11 hours ago and it has already racked up more than 100,000 signatures.
Explaining the petition's cause, Ms McLean said: "My aim here is to urge the Cardinia Council to NOT put this poor dog to Sleep.
"This is a tragic incident but Hero [the Staffy] was NOT the instigator. CCTV footage has shown what really happened!! As well as witnesses stating this was not the fault of Hero or his owner. Hero was defending HIMSELF and HIS FAMILY against three dogs attacking him.
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"Let's not make an already heartbreaking tragedy worse by putting a dog to death for defending himself and his family."
It all started when Kashila Chintamunnee shared a post on Facebook in which she accused Claudia Harrison of letting go of her dog and allowing it to maul her dog Coco for 10 minutes on Tuesday morning (5 November).
She also shared pictures of the pavement and the Staffy covered in blood.
Mrs Harrison has refuted Ms Chintamunnee's version of events, claiming Hero was set upon by three loose dogs.
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In a statement on behalf of his 'traumatised' wife, husband Paki Harrison said: "My son and I were taking our dog for a walk up the hill near the lake; three dogs approached us from behind - two smaller dogs and one larger dog.
"The larger dog started to bark excessively and I tried to get my son behind me to keep him safe.
"I pulled my dog away at the same time. My dog was on his lead with a harness. I looked around but there was no owner in sight, and I was worried for my son.
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"I yelled and tried to signal for nearby help but there wasn't anyone. At this stage I couldn't keep the dogs away from my dogs or keep my son safe."
Grainy CCTV footage appears to corroborate Mrs Harrison's version of events, with loose dogs appearing to pursue her and Hero in the park.
However, Ms Chintamunnee said she has contacted police and the council and has argued that Hero is not safe to be in public.
Featured Image Credit: Nine NewsTopics: News, Animals, Australia