According to the Conservation Institute of Nature and Forests (ICNF), the operation to rescue the animals, 54 dogs and 36 cats, took place after receiving, on Friday, information from the Elvas GNR of the existence of a complaint.

According to the institute, the complaint was made by the Intervention and Animal Rescue (IRA) organisation who reported the existence of "more than a hundred pets with suspected abuse, in accommodation in Elvas."

After the owner authorised the entry of authorities into the space, "it was verified the existence of several animals, dogs and cats, in very unhealthy conditions and in breach of animal welfare standards."

According to the ICNF, the GNR removed the animals that were found to be in “worse conditions of health and accommodation”, namely those that were “housed in carriers and in permanent darkness”, and the case was reported to the Public Ministry.

According to the statement: "There will be a new intervention to verify the situation of the remaining animals in the place and whose owner was appointed faithful custodian", without specifying the number of dogs and cats that remain in the accommodation.