Heartbreaking footage of a corgi walking in circles on a tiny apartment balcony has sparked outrage with Aussies demanding its urgent rescue.
Helia Abdollahi claims to have spent the last three months recording the lonely canine living in a block of units across from her in Melbourne’s CBD.
The neighbour said she has made several reports to authorities, which has amounted to no action, and decided to share the distressing video in a last-ditch effort.
‘The balcony is barely 1.5metres long, with no shelter, toys, or comfort,’ she said.
‘We’ve seen him out there in the rain, during freezing cold nights, and for hours on end. He paces in circles, shows signs of anxiety, and barks or cries for attention.
‘When the owner does show up, the dog gets excited, wagging, hoping for interaction, but is completely ignored.
‘He even seems scared to step inside the apartment, like he knows he’s not allowed.’
Footage and photos of the corgi show its dire living conditions.
A corgi in Melbourne’s CBD has been left alone on a freezing, empty balcony for more than three months
The only item on the narrow balcony is a small kennel with no bedding.
The glass sides of the balcony have been smeared with filth and the owner seemingly only cleans the dog faeces once a large amount accumulates.
‘This isn’t a one-off. This is chronic neglect,’ Ms Abdollahi said
‘I’ve seen him spin on that tiny balcony floor endlessly – a heartbreaking sign of anxiety and psychological distress.
‘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.’
Data from the Bureau of Meteorology shows the average night temperature in Melbourne for July is between 6C and 8C.
On top of the cold conditions, corgis are considered a high-energy breed that need mental stimulation and over an hour of physical activity every day.
‘This is not about shaming or attacking the owner. I’m operating from a place of empathy,’ Ms Abdollahi said.
Corgis are considered a high-energy breed which need a lot of mental stimulation and physical activity to remain healthy
‘I believe this could simply be a case of someone getting in over their head, maybe not understanding the responsibility that comes with having a high-energy breed, like a corgi, in a small apartment.
‘I’m not here to criticise, humiliate or expose anyone. I don’t want conflict, I want a solution.’
At the time of her posts, Ms Abdollahi had made reports to the RSPCA, Melbourne council, building management, the closest cafe and pet store, multiple animal rescues and Facebook groups.
Representatives from the RSPCA have visited the property twice but, due to animal legislation, were unable to seize the dog.
Council workers have also visited the property and claimed it is monitoring the situation.
Victoria’s current animal laws, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, only allow animals to be taken from owners on reasonable grounds.
This can include baiting or using the animal as a lure, depriving the animal of food and water, or if the animal is in a painful entanglement.
Ms Abdollahi has even offered to ‘purchase the dog or rehome him with care with no pressure or judgement’.
However, hundreds of social media users under her videos were much less forgiving.
‘What is the point of having a dog? I don’t get it,’ one wrote.
‘As a corgi owner in Melbourne this makes me so unbelievably angry and upset,’ another said.
‘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,’ another wrote.
Animal Justice Party member Georgie Purcell pointed the blame for the corgi’s suffering at the state’s ‘archaic’ animal welfare laws.
‘I like many others have reported this to the RSPCA and despite them investigating … they have told me they cannot intervene,’ she said in an online clip.
‘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.’
Daily Mail has contacted the RSPCA for comment.
