A series of images allegedly taken by volunteers at the kennels have made their way on to social media exposing the conditions.

According to one whistleblower over the weekends the kennel is closed, the dogs are not fed or watered nor are they let out of their pens.

Speaking to newspaper Correio da Manhã about the claims Cascais Council said the kennels have a 24/7 emergency service in place and that new facilities will be built within six months.