In a statement, the GNR said it rescued four dogs and nine cats in a state of serious neglect from a house in the parish of Gafanha da Encarnação, in the municipality of Ílhavo.

The GNR operation, carried out in coordination with the municipal services of Ílhavo and Vagos, followed a complaint of mistreatment of companion animals.

According to the Guard, officers who went to the site found that some of the canines were malnourished and that all the animals were kept in very poor hygienic conditions, jeopardising their well-being and posing a public health problem in the vicinity due to the accumulation of animal waste and faeces.

"The animals' health conditions were assessed by the Municipal Veterinarian of Vagos, and they were subsequently transported to the municipal services of Ílhavo and Vagos," the statement said.

The GNR also added that the owner of the animals was transported to the psychiatry service of the Aveiro Hospital for evaluation of her clinical situation and was subsequently formally charged.