Rescued puppy now safe after shocking Lisbon ordeal

The Lisbon animal welfare group that rescued a puppy allegedly being drowned in a public lake has issued an emotional update, revealing the dog has been named Dobby and is now recovering in safety.

Associação dos Animais de Lisboa said the overwhelming response to the story had seen its appeal shared thousands of times across social media.

“We never imagined this rescue would reach so many people,” the association said, thanking everyone who commented, shared the story or helped raise awareness.

The charity stressed that its aim was never to “generate outrage but to highlight the reality of animal abuse and encourage people to intervene when they witness it”.

“Our only purpose is to raise awareness that situations like this cannot continue without consequences,” it said. “We hope this wave of support reaches the right people, helps improve the law, strengthens protection for animals and ensures those responsible for these crimes are held accountable.”

As part of that effort, the association confirmed it has filed a criminal complaint with the relevant authorities.

Photos released by the charity show Dobby looking alert and relaxed after his rescue.

“He is an extremely gentle and playful dog who loves cuddles and treats,” the association said. “He is safe, in our care, surrounded by affection and finally discovering what it means to be loved.”

The group also thanked supporters for the many messages of concern and encouragement received since the rescue.

It urged people to keep sharing the story, “not only for Dobby, but for all the animals still waiting for someone to save them.”

The charity also addressed what it described as inaccurate accounts circulating since the incident, saying it had carried out the rescue itself and had shared “the facts exactly as they happened.”

Dobby was rescued on Friday after a member of the association responded to reports that a child had allegedly spent around 40 minutes trying to drown the puppy in a lake in Lisbon. The rescuer took the exhausted dog straight to a veterinary clinic before filing a criminal complaint with police.

According to the association, Dobby had swallowed a large amount of water, had a severely swollen abdomen and bloodied paws from desperately trying to escape. He received emergency veterinary treatment and has remained in the charity’s care ever since.

Inês Lopes

Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident