BOSTON — A pit bull named Tyson has sparked an emotional standoff between animal lovers and city officials after Boston Animal Care and Control confirmed it is holding the dog, who’s also tied to a pending “dangerous dog hearing” in Falmouth following a “serious incident” there.

Tyson was found wandering Evelyn Street in Mattapan last week and taken to the city’s animal shelter in Roslindale. But an online petition — already circulating with dozens of signatures — claims the 2-year-old dog is being unfairly marked for death.

“A young dog, Tyson, just shy of two years, found himself in a situation no dog should face,” the petition reads. “After being rehomed in Boston, he accidentally got loose. It’s crucial to note that no incident occurred while he was out… Despite this, Boston Animal Control has taken him into custody and, to the shock and heartbreak of those who know him, plan to euthanize him in just four days.”

Boston Animal Care and Control fired back, saying that’s not the case. “Tyson was not confiscated; he was found as a stray in our City after he was rehomed,” the department said. “There is currently no court action that prevents the owner from reclaiming Tyson.”

The department also clarified that Massachusetts law requires shelters to hold stray animals for seven days — not as a countdown to euthanasia, but to allow time for owners to come forward before adoption or other outcomes are considered.

Meanwhile, Falmouth’s animal control officer has notified Boston that Tyson is slated for a “dangerous dog” hearing in that town, tied to an unspecified earlier incident. The owner listed in that case remains unreachable.

As the clock ticks, animal advocates online are pleading for mercy. “Over 30 loving and responsible individuals in our community are ready and willing to open their homes to Tyson,” the petition says. “He deserves a chance to live a full and happy life.”