Smoky was found in a rubbish bag with two bricks tied to his collar
Widespread public outrage has erupted following Portimão Court’s decision to grant a suspended sentence – and subsequent amnesty – to the man found guilty of killing his pet dog, Smoky, by throwing him into the Arade River with two bricks tied to his collar in 2021.
The court sentenced the man to seven months in prison, suspended for one year, along with a four-year ban on owning companion animals. However, he was granted a full pardon under the general amnesty law (Law 38-A/2023, Article 3, Clause 2), enacted last August in connection with the Pope’s visit to Portugal.
The outcome has enraged animal lovers, who question how Smoky’s owner can walk free after such a horrific act.
“Today’s sentence was so shocking for everyone who loves animals and gives their life for them,” lamented Irene Nunes, president of local animal association Jardim da Aryel, which acted as an assistant to the prosecution.
National animal protection group IRA also expressed its outrage, declaring: “Another criminal leaves the courtroom with a smile on his face.”
The case dates back to early February 2021 near Mexilhoeira da Carregação, in the Algarve municipality of Lagoa.
Smoky, a bull terrier, was discovered dead inside a rubbish bag in the Arade River, with two bricks tied to his collar. The gruesome discovery was made by local residents, who immediately alerted the authorities. Maritime police and municipal veterinary services were called in to recover the body. Although the dog was not microchipped, officials were able to identify the owner through local veterinary clinics.
The case sparked a petition titled “Justice for Smoky,” which has already gathered over 27,000 signatures. The petition outlined the premeditated nature of the crime and called for urgent legislative reform, citing Portugal’s existing animal welfare laws — including Law 69/2014 and Law 110/2015 — which provide for up to two years in prison for those who kill or severely harm companion animals without legitimate cause.
Signatories demand that these laws be revised to ensure stricter penalties, including mandatory prison sentences, even for first-time offenders.
