Rochester, NY — Dogs are finally taking a one-legged stand outside of Dogtown, demanding what they believe is their fair share of profits from Rochester’s favorite garbage plate establishment.

After years of silence, Rochester dogs are now protesting Dogtown for “infringement of rights of publicity.” The International Trademark Association defines the right of publicity as, “an intellectual property right that protects against the misappropriation of an individual’s name, likeness, or other indicia of personal identity—such as nickname, pseudonym, voice, signature, likeness, or photograph—for commercial benefit.”

“And that’s exactly what these dogs are fighting for,” says Britta Fossie, a self-proclaimed animal rights activist who has volunteered to be the official spokesperson for the dogs.

Dogtown is one of the most well-known garbage plate spots in Rochester, and the dogs want their cut, says Fossie.

“The fact that the word ‘dog’ is associated with the term ‘garbage plate’, and no one thought to ask [the dogs] how they felt about this… It’s insulting,” says Fossie. “How would people like it if dogs ran a profitable business called ‘People-topia’ and sold specialty dishes called ‘Feces Platter’? People would definitely demand a cut.”

Rochester dog owners have noticed that their four-legged friends consistently stop in front of Dogtown on their afternoon walks to mark their territory — and not in typical fire hydrant, pole, or tree fashion.

“I started noticing it five weeks ago,” says local dog owner, Brendan Barkfard. “A look of defiance came over Fru Fru’s face as she did it.”

So why are dogs suddenly taking a stand now?

“We suspect it has something to do with the influx of mailman and Prime delivery customers,” says an anonymous Dogtown employee. “There’s a bitter history there.”

“He growls every time we walk by,” says Clara Clifford, proud owner of Chuck the Chihuahua. “And the day he saw a mailman go in there… he just lost it.”

When asked for a quote, the dogs declined — other than to say it’s been “rough.”

Until their demands are met, a group of 35+ dogs intends to stand outside Dogtown in formal protest every Sunday, when the most foot traffic comes in after mass at Blessed Sacrament Church across the street. Owners will be on standby with their blue bags.