In statements to the Lusa news agency, the commander of the Vila Franca de Xira Territorial Detachment of the GNR, Captain Filipe Paulino, said that the rescue took place on Tuesday on a plot of land in the parish of Lousa, where sheds "functioned as a kind of kennel," where the animals were kept.

"The evidence gathered points to overcrowding in the sheds and not to breeding and subsequent sale," the official specified, adding that the GNR's action took place after several complaints.

In a statement, the GNR says that upon arriving at the scene, the officers found that the animals were "in a debilitated state of health, without adequate conditions of hygiene, food, water, shelter, and animal welfare."

Provision of health care

Given the observed conditions, the dogs were collected by the Official Collection Centre of the Municipality of Loures, and first aid was provided. Two of the animals, due to being in danger of death, were referred to a veterinary hospital.

According to the GNR, during the proceedings, a 64-year-old man was identified, and a report was drawn up for the crimes of "mistreatment of companion animals and violation of impositions, prohibitions or interdictions," and the facts were reported to the Judicial Court of Loures.

Animal abuse is a crime in Portugal

The GNR reminds the public that mistreatment of companion animals “constitutes a crime” and reiterates its commitment to continue developing prevention, inspection, and investigation actions to protect companion animals and safeguard their well-being.

On 23 June, a large operation launched in Amarante led to the identification of a woman for alleged animal abuse and the removal of more than 300 dogs, which were sent to associations and shelters.