The short answer is that Portugal has too many dogs. There simply aren’t enough people to look after them all. The shelters are full. Dogs end up living (and dying) on the streets. The government doesn’t have the means to provide care for all the homeless dogs. Charities are stepping up to help, but it’s still not enough. The dogs of Portugal need you.
Check out the many beautiful dogs that are available from the shelter I volunteer at: Amigo Fiel Bombarral