Portugal's sole MP representing the party for People, Animals and Nature (PAN), André Silva, said today that the new laws that have given protection to domestic 'companion' animals should be extended to other animals in order to curb their abuse.
"It is a crime to let a dog starve, but it's not a crime to let a horse starve. It is a crime to beat a cat but it is not a crime to attack a cow," said MP André Silva at the Kennel of St. Francis of Assisi in Loulé.
The MP decided to mark World Animal Day and the anniversary of his own election to parliament, by visiting the Algarve where he said there is "a special and great sensitivity to the animals which we live with on the planet, with numerous protection associations and animal welfare organisations."
André Silva also highlighted the sensitivity shown by various local authorities such as Monchique Council which has prepared a document for domestic animal protection in the event of forest fires and praised the council's provision of vegetarian meals in Monchique's schools.
"Most municipalities do not assume their responsibilities and, for decades, thousands of anonymous citizens and literally hundreds of associations have replaced the State's role and continue to do so," he stressed.
The Kennel of St. Francis of Assisi in Loulé has been around for 35 years and has just had €250,000 spent on its main site in support of its aims. Currently there are 300 dogs, 50 cats, one donkey, a horse and a mule, all receiving care, medical attention and living withour fear of abuse.
Loulé council has a written agreement with the Association of Friends of Abandoned Animals, responsible for the Kennel of St. Francis of Assisi, to continue to collect abandoned animals as there is no offically recognised council service.
André Silva said this arrangement is a hugely positive example and pointed out that at a national level, many of Portugal's councils avoid their legal responsibility to provide animal centers and to provide a vet.
André Silva said it's not all good news in the Algarve with many recent and high-profile examples of negligence recorded, especailly concerning horses and donkeys.
"This is the responsibility of the Directorate General of Food and Veterinary Services of the Algarve which has done nothing and is quite negligent with regard to animal welfare," criticised the MP from Pessoas, Animais e Natureza (PAN).
