A man believed to have killed his dog, a bull terrier, by tying two bricks to its collar and throwing it in the Arade River near Mexilhoeira da Carregação (Lagoa) has been named an official suspect (arguido).
The dead animal was apparently found inside a rubbish bag by locals who alerted GNR police.
Portimão’s maritime police were called to the scene to remove the carcass from the water with the help of Lagoa Council’s municipal veterinarian.
Although the dog “did not have an identification chip”, authorities were able to track down its owner by contacting local veterinary clinics, says Portugal’s Maritime Authority (AMN) in a statement.
Pictures of the dead animal in the river are being shared widely on social media causing massive outrage among people who are calling for the culprit to be brought to justice.
A law that came into force in August last year foresees between six months and two years in prison for anyone found guilty of killing a pet animal (dog, cat or similar) for “no legitimate reason”.
The case will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
