Distressing footage of dog on apartment balcony goes viral
There is widespread outrage after footage was shared of a shocking sight on a Melbourne apartment balcony.
Animals
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Disturbing footage has emerged of a small dog living on an exposed balcony in Melbourne’s CBD.
In a clip posted to social media, the corgi can be seen anxiously pacing along the narrow balcony, covered by nothing more than a glass window smeared in dirt and marks.
At one end of the balcony is a very simple wooden kennel with no bedding or protection from the elements.
During the compilation of clips – filmed by a neighbour over three months – the dog’s owner can be seen making his way outside briefly to clean what appears to be piles of dog faeces – each one filling an entire dustpan.
The dog excitedly wags and circles his owner before having the door closed in his face.
Neighbour Helia Abdollahi revealed she has “witnessed this little corgi trapped for the past three months.
“Rain or shine, day or night – he is always out there.” she said. “Alone. Cold. Barking. Spinning in circles. No toys, no bed, no food in sight. Just concrete and silence.”
Ms Abdollahi reported the situation to RSPCA on June 1, following it up with emails, detailed descriptions and video evidence – but nothing has changed.
“This isn’t a one-off. This is chronic neglect,” she said.
“I’ve seen him spin on that tiny balcony floor endlessly — a heartbreaking sign of anxiety and psychological distress,” she said. “I’ve seen his tail wag when the owner comes out, desperately trying to connect. But the owner doesn’t even acknowledge him. Doesn’t pet him. Doesn’t let him inside. The corgi literally hesitates to step over the threshold, like he’s been conditioned to know he’s not allowed inside his own home.”
“This is emotional abuse, and it’s completely preventable. Melbourne is freezing right now — I can barely handle the cold inside my apartment. I can’t even imagine how this small dog is surviving out there night after night,” she added.
According to the Bureau of Metereology (BoM), Melbourne nights in July typically average between 6 and 8 degrees celsius.
In an update to her followers, Ms Abdollahi said the building manager had confirmed the RSPCA visited the property twice but, due to animal legislation, could not seize the dog.
Victoria’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA) allows RSPCA inspectors to enter premises and seize animals only on reasonable grounds.
These include: baiting or using the animals as lures, depriving the animal of food and water, or if the animal is in an entanglement causing pain or suffering.
Ms Abdollahi has also reached out to Melbourne council, the management of the apartment towers, the closest cafe and pet store, multiple animal rescues, and Facebook groups.
She has since left a note, offering to either “purchase the dog or rehome him with care with no pressure or judgement.”
Corgis, originally bred as herding dogs, are high-energy dogs that thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. They typically need between 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise per day.
With the right care, they can live up to 14 years old.
PETA Asia Senior Vice President Jason Baker, branded the situation as “incomprehensible”.
“Dogs are not disposable fashion items. You can’t just toss your dog out on the balcony when they’re no longer convenient, like you toss a pair of shoes to the back of your wardrobe when they’re no longer fashionable,” he said.
“Dogs are highly social, pack animals who suffer terrible loneliness and deserve love, attention, and a safe environment to thrive in.
“It’s incomprehensible that anyone would fail to see this as animal abuse and cruelty. Where is people’s sense of shame and decency? No animal should have to suffer in isolation, longing for affection, basic care, and even shelter from the elements.
“PETA has been in touch with authorities to ask for immediate action to remove this dog from their current living conditions. PETA stands ready to assist in finding a permanent, loving home where this dog can feel safe and cared for.”
Animal Justice Party member Georgie Purcell took to social media to slam the “archaic” animal welfare laws that prevent authorities from intervening.
“I like many others have reported this to the RSPCA and despite them investigating … they have told me they cannot intervene,” she said.
“This is because under Victoria’s animal welfare laws things like this are perfectly legal.
“Almost ten years ago the Victorian Labor Government committed to rewriting our state’s archaic animal welfare laws, but Jacinta Allan just hasn’t prioritised it.”
A spokesperson for the City of Melbourne told news.com.au:
“We take animal welfare seriously and understand the community’s concern regarding the condition of a dog at this residential property.
“Our Animal Management officers were notified last week and have been actively following up. An officer has attended the property and spoken with the owner about the housing conditions that do not meet the standards outlined in the Activities Local Law 2024.
“Clear directions have been given to improve the cleanliness and hygiene of the dog’s living space, and further checks and enforcement action are scheduled for this week.”
“We know how much people care about animals in our city – and we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and take further steps if needed,” they added.
The clips, which have close to 200,000 views have been met with outrage from viewers.
“What is the point of having a dog? I don't get it,” said one.
“As a corgi owner in Melbourne this makes me so unbelievably angry and upset,” wrote another.
“I also have a corgi and live in the same building as you. I see this view every day too, and it genuinely upsets me,” wrote a third.
A spokesperson for RSPCA told news.com.au:
“We have investigated this issue and there is no breach of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTAA) legislation.POCTAA no longer meets the community’s expectations on minimal standards of care for animals, and we are advocating for the introduction of the new Animal Care and Protection bill, which will provide us with additional scope to intervene in cases such as this.”
Originally published as Distressing footage of dog on apartment balcony goes viral
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