Summer poses a significant challenge: over 200 animals abandoned by July's end
In Portugal, efforts to combat animal abandonment and cruelty have been intensifying, with significant strides made in recent years. According to GNR data, over the first seven months of this year, 214 animals were abandoned, a decrease from the 350 cases reported in the same period last year.
One of the most concerning trends in Portugal is the increase in animal abandonment during the summer months, often due to holidays. This year, nearly 25% fewer animals were abandoned in 2024 compared to 2022, offering a glimmer of hope for animals in need.
The Portuguese government has been implementing a multi-faceted approach to address this issue, focusing on improved legal frameworks, public awareness campaigns, shelter and veterinary care enhancement, and alignment with EU directives.
Recent official data indicate a significant reduction in animal abandonment and mistreatment across Portugal, suggesting that these ongoing policies and actions are having a positive effect. Promoting responsible pet ownership is crucial, with advocacy including encouraging sterilization/neutering, mandatory microchipping, and adoption considerations regarding long-term commitment and suitability to lifestyle.
Expanding care teams in shelters with veterinarians and trained staff helps address the growing needs of abandoned animals and improves rehabilitation and adoption outcomes. Portugal is also subject to EU animal welfare policies and benefits from broader European efforts to modernize and enhance protections against cruelty, including farmed animals.
Non-governmental organizations and local authorities typically collaborate in high-incidence districts such as Braga, Porto, Lisboa, Setúbal, and Faro to conduct rescue, rehabilitation, public education, and legal enforcement actions. While specific initiatives targeting these districts are not detailed, the general nationwide trends and approaches provide the context for these areas.
It's worth noting that, in Portugal, abandoning animals is punishable by up to six months in prison or a sixty-day fine. At least eight people have been arrested in connection with animal cruelty cases in the last four years, while around 750 suspects have been identified.
In addition, dogs and cats are still the animals most commonly abandoned in Portugal. In 2024, the number of animal cruelty cases decreased by nearly 19%, and the number of animals abandoned decreased by nearly 25% compared to 2022.
Three years ago, the number of animal cruelty cases was over seven hundred, a stark contrast to the current situation. While more detailed, district-specific strategies may exist, the combined efforts of the Portuguese government, NGOs, and European influence are undoubtedly contributing to a brighter future for the country's animals.
- The implementation of improved legal frameworks, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced shelter and veterinary care in Portugal, including aligning with EU directives, has contributed to a significant reduction in health-and-wellness issues related to animal abandonment and mistreatment.
- In the realm of science and justice, Portugal has shown a steady decrease in the number of crime-and-justice cases related to animal abuse, with at least eight arrests made in the last four years.
- With a focus on promoting fitness-and-exercise and general-news education, advocacy in Portugal encourages responsible pet ownership through strategies such as encouraging sterilization, mandatory microchipping, and adoption considerations regarding long-term commitment and suitability to lifestyle. This, along with other efforts, is helping to foster a healthier and more compassionate nation towards animals.
