Outpouring of indignation at cruel practice of keeping animals on chains
Duque, the dog so valiantly rescued from a burning property by a young GNR agent, has died of his injuries.
It was clear from the video of the rescue posted online that the dog was in terrible distress by the time he was plucked from the inferno.
It was also clear how slowly those witnessing the scene responded in getting water to cool him down.
News that the poor animal did not make it has unleashed a torrent of indignation over social media: new generations do not hold in any way with ‘country habits’ of keeping dogs on chains. Indeed, there are constant ‘educational campaigns’ trying to make owners aware that they should never treat an animal in this way.
As one movement trying to ‘sensibilise’ thoughtless owners points out, the practice of keeping a dog on a chain has been illegal for over 20 years, viz Decreto-Lei n.º 276/2001 and Decreto-Lei n.º 315/2003
Thus, the sad update, reported by TVI, that Duque did not make it, has seen a lot in the way of finger pointing, and people calling for the owners to be made responsible.
The truth is the owners have already lost their home. They probably face great hardship, and will undoubtedly be made to feel quite dreadful about the way they left their dog to die.
Source material: TVI/ Facebook
