Heartwarming update after viral clip of corgi outraged the nation

News.com.au

11-07-2025

A heartwarming update has emerged after a distressing clip of a dog trapped on a Melbourne apartment balcony went viral this week.
The footage – filmed by a neighbour over three months – showed a small corgi anxiously pacing on an exposed 1.5 metre balcony, day and night.
One end of the balcony housed a very simple wooden kennel with no bedding or protection from the winter elements.
'I've seen him spin on that tiny balcony floor endlessly — a heartbreaking sign of anxiety and psychological distress,' neighbour Helia Abdhollah said.
'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. The corgi literally hesitates to step over the threshold, like he's been conditioned to know he's not allowed inside his own home.
'This is emotional abuse, and it's completely preventable. Melbourne is freezing right now — I can barely handle the cold inside my apartment. I can't even imagine how this small dog is surviving out there night after night,' she added.
The clip, which was viewed over 170,000 times, outraged Australians with many branding it 'inhumane.'
News.com.au can now reveal that the 16-month-old corgi – who goes by the name 'Trump' – has been surrendered by his owner to council, after they mutually agreed it was the right decision.
In a statement, Acting Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell told news.com.au that Melbourne City council had picked the dog up earlier this morning.
'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.
'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,' she said.
'Trump' is currently residing with the The Lost Dogs' Home in North Melbourne where he is receiving medical checks and long-awaited cuddles.
Once the little guy is ready for adoption, you'll be able to find his profile shared on their website and social media channels.
Mel McCarthy, Service Delivery and Local Government Manager at The Lost Dogs' Home told news.com.au that he is being 'very well looked after.'
'This little corgi is being well looked after and will no doubt find a new home very soon.
'With the right time commitment and training it is completely possible for people 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 apartment complex where the dog was found is a skyscraper in Melbourne's CBD where apartments range from $700-900 per week.
With over 633 apartments over 65 levels, the complex features '5-star facilities' - including an outdoor pool, spa and sauna area as well as a substantial gym, each with city views.