The Republican National Guard (GNR) of Ponte de Lima, part of the Viana do Castelo Territorial Command, rescued five puppies from the bottom of a well on Sunday, November 9.
In a statement sent to the press, the authority explained that they received a report “noting noises coming from inside a well.” Upon arriving at the location, the officers “confirmed the truth of the reported facts,” noticing that the small dogs were trapped at the bottom.
“The stone covering the well was removed, revealing that the noise came from a plastic bag, which appeared to contain newborn dogs,” the statement continued. “Using a ladder, one of the officers descended into the well and confirmed the presence of four puppies inside the bag and a fifth nearby.”
You can view the rescue video in our gallery above.
The five dogs were rescued and taken to a veterinary clinic with the help of the Ponte de Lima Volunteer Firefighters, “to be evaluated and receive necessary care.”
In the same operation, the GNR also identified a suspect in the offense, a 70-year-old man, “who was immediately detained” and later made an official defendant for animal cruelty against companion animals. The facts “were reported to the Ponte de Lima Judicial Court.”
The GNR, in the same statement, affirmed their “deep commitment to the defense of natural and environmental values,” particularly through the Nature and Environment Protection Service (SEPNA), “aiming for better safety and well-being for human beings and biodiversity.”
If you wish to “contribute in this area,” you can call the SOS Environment and Territory line at 808 200 520, file a report on the GNR website in the Services/SOS Environment section, or send an email to se***@*nr.pt.
