On 13 June, the intervention was carried out in collaboration with multiple agencies, including the Portuguese Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV), the National Republican Guard (GNR), IRA – Intervenção e Resgate Animal, veterinary teams, and the Amarante Municipal Council.

According to reports, the animals were allegedly being bred for commercial sale through online platforms, as investigators discovered around 50 newborn puppies inside the residence, while a further 200 adult dogs were found across the surrounding grounds.

Foster homes

The adult animals were believed to have been used as breeding stock to support a large-scale operation focused on producing puppies for sale, and several breeds were identified among those rescued, including Yorkshire Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Bulldogs.

Authorities were reportedly alarmed by the conditions in which the dogs were being kept, as many were allegedly living in highly unsanitary environments, surrounded by their own waste, while some appeared to be suffering from malnutrition.

A woman has been identified as the property owner and is currently the primary suspect in the case. However, investigators have not ruled out the involvement of additional individuals, given the scale of the operation and the number of animals discovered.

The IRA, an animal welfare organisation, said on social media that temporary foster homes will be urgently needed in both Lisbon and Porto to accommodate the rescued dogs, appealing for assistance with food, veterinary treatment and other essential supplies.

In a statement, the IRA condemned what it described as a profit-driven trade centred on popular dog breeds, alleging that female dogs had been exploited as breeding machines to supply a lucrative market.

Veterinary assessment

This investigation reportedly began after a prospective buyer visited the property intending to purchase a dog, but was disturbed by the conditions he encountered, and abandoned the sale, alerting the authorities.

According to Portuguese media reports, local residents and officials were already aware of concerns about the site, and previous enquiries had been conducted before the latest intervention.

The rescued animals are currently undergoing veterinary assessment as authorities evaluate their health and determine appropriate long-term care arrangements, yet no official details have been released regarding their future placement.

While the DGAV has not provided further information on the case, the scale of the rescue has already made it one of the most significant animal welfare operations ever recorded in Portugal.