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Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Tiny corgi spotted pacing on filthy balcony and then surrendered by his owner is officially up for adoption
A 16-month-old corgi spotted pacing up and down a filthy apartment balcony for hours on end is one step closer to finding his forever home. Video taken from a high-rise building in Melbourne 's CBD earlier this month showed Harry, formerly known as Trump, trapped in dire living conditions. In the footage, the dog was seen racing back-and-forth on the narrow balcony, which had only a small kennel with no bedding. The glass sides of the balcony were smeared with filth and the owner seemingly only cleaned the dog faeces once a large amount had accumulated. On July 11, Acting Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell told Daily Mail Australia the owner had surrendered the dog to council that morning. Harry was then taken to The Lost Dogs' Home in North Melbourne, where he underwent medical checks for one week. On Friday, the home announced Harry was officially up for adoption but would continue to need behavioural rehabilitation to 'heal' from his ordeal. 'After being left alone for months on a balcony in filthy, lonely conditions with minimal human contact, Harry came into care frightened, confused, and unsure how to be a dog,' the home wrote, alongside a slideshow of images of the dog. 'He's looking for the special person or family who can help him continue his journey toward a happy, secure life.' The home said Harry, who now weighs 14kg, has an enthusiasm for play and people, but he finds it hard to settle at times. As a result, he might urine-mark indoors and outdoors when anxious as a 'way of coping with stress', which will take time, patience and guidance to improve. 'It's important to understand Harry will need ongoing behavioural rehabilitation, and his new family must be prepared for the challenges - and the rewards - of helping him heal,' they said. 'He deserves a home that sees his potential and is willing to work with him every step of the way.' Aussies left a slew of comments celebrating Harry's recovery. 'So glad he is safe now and hopefully in a loving home soon. A shame we have such inadequate animal welfare laws,' a user said. 'I'm so happy Harry is free from that tiny space and lack of love. I hope he finds his forever home.' Harry's poor living conditions in his former home were first brought to public attention by Melbourne woman Helia Abdollahi. She made several reports to authorities, which amounted to no action, and decided to share the distressing video online in a last-ditch effort. Ms Abdollahi previously told Daily Mail Australia that she spent three months recording the lonely canine living in the block of units across from her. '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,' she said. '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.' The footage and photos of the corgi, known as 'Trump', and his dire living conditions outraged hundreds of Aussies who labelled the dog's treatment as inhumane.
SBS Australia
11-07-2025
- General
- SBS Australia
Update after video of corgi 'trapped' on apartment balcony sparks concern
A corgi has been surrendered and is now in the care of Melbourne's Lost Dogs' home after a TikToker shared a video sparking concern for its welfare. Footage posted to TikTok in late June appeared to show the "trapped" corgi living on a cramped, exposed balcony in Melbourne's CBD, allegedly for a period of three months. The person who shared the video claimed the dog spent hours pacing in circles — a behaviour they described as 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," the poster wrote. The video sparked widespread concern on the internet, with the poster saying they had contacted the RSPCA, EQ Tower building management, Victoria Police, and multiple animal rescue organisations. They were later contacted by the City of Melbourne, which said it would reach out to the owner. Corgi has 'new lease on life' On Friday, a spokesperson for the City of Melbourne confirmed its animal management team had worked with the owner, who ultimately decided to surrender the dog, acknowledging a different environment would better support the animal's welfare. The corgi is now undergoing medical checks at The Lost Dogs' Home in north Melbourne and is not yet available for adoption. Acting lord mayor Roshena Campbell thanked the community for speaking up. "Thanks to the kindness of a good samaritan, a little corgi has a new lease on life — with a future filled with head pats, long walks, and plenty of treats," Campbell said in a statement. "We take responsible pet ownership seriously — and while our team works tirelessly to protect the welfare of animals, we also rely on our community to speak up when something isn't right. "Every pet deserves a safe and loving environment, and we'll now work to find this pup a forever family." The City of Melbourne said the 16-month-old corgi now has a "new lease on life" after being surrendered by its owners. Source: Supplied / City of Melbourne Mel McCarthy, service delivery and local government manager at The Lost Dogs' Home, said the corgi was in good hands. "This little corgi is being well looked after and will no doubt find a new home very soon," McCarthy said. "With the right time commitment and training, it is completely possible for people to own a dog happily in the city. "Please reach out if you are struggling, our behaviour team can offer advice on how to successfully manage a dog in an apartment." The original poster said the video was not about "hate or shame", instead arguing it was "about advocating for a better life for this dog without cruelty or blame".
