Rescue Mission for Starving Dog Uncovers Domestic Abuse in Warsaw

On August 30 in Warsaw’s Mokotów district, an animal welfare intervention to rescue a severely malnourished Great Dane led to the discovery of a woman secretly begging for help from domestic abuse.

Aggressive Encounter at the Apartment

The incident took place on August 30 in Warsaw’s Mokotów. Inspectors from the OTOZ Animals association received a report concerning a four-year-old Great Dane in deplorable condition. The apartment door was opened by a man who greeted the volunteers with “furiating aggression.” The inspectors called the police.

Secret Pleas for Help

While waiting for the authorities, a young woman slipped out of the apartment. Pretending to show something on her phone screen, she displayed a message reading “PLEASE HELP,” and after some time, she ran out into the stairwell again and threw a tissue with a phone number toward the inspectors. A message sent to that number revealed she was begging to be rescued from the hell she was enduring behind closed doors.

Condition of the Rescued Dog

Describing the state of the rescued dog, inspectors stated it was a “living skeleton covered in skin.”

Dynamic Intervention and Forensic Support

The inspectors informed officers about the entire situation. According to the OTOZ Animals association, “the situation became extremely dynamic and dangerous,” prompting calls for police backup and forensic technicians to the scene.

Discovery of the Starving Animal

Upon entering, authorities found the confined, extremely starved dog in an isolated room. The association described the 4-year-old Great Dane, purchased from a renowned FCI kennel, as a living skeleton covered in skin, with a massive amount of dandruff and skin lesions. The breeder allegedly knew about the animal’s tragic situation as early as April, yet the only medical documentation was a single stamp for a mandatory rabies vaccination.

Hospitalization and Medical Care

Inspectors transported the dog to a 24-hour clinic, where “the fight for its life began.” The animal spent 24 hours under observation in the hospital.

Restraining Orders and Detention

Police issued a Blue Card for the man, who was led out of the apartment under the escort of four officers. He spent 48 hours in custody and received a restraining order barring him from approaching the woman, according to OTOZ inspectors.

Statements from Law Enforcement

Junior Sergeant Andreas Dietz from the Warsaw II District Police Headquarters told TVN24 that evidence is currently being gathered and appropriate measures have been applied to ensure the safety of both the dog and the woman.

Ongoing Investigation

The proceedings are currently underway, and the man is likely to face charges. Police have not released details regarding the intervention.

Testimony from OTOZ Animals

According to the inspectors, the man abused the woman. Marta Różycka of the Warsaw branch of OTOZ Animals told TVN24 that the victim did not have enough courage to go to the police station on her own, so she used the opportunity when inspectors arrived for the dog.