A new regulation published by Portimão council states that anyone leaving animals grazing on unfenced open ground can be fined between €100 and €2,500.The same penalty applies to those who leave animals to graze in a public space or on private property, without the written permission of the owner or who leave cattle grazing within 50 metres of a public road.
The council says these rules are needed due to the danger posed by animals wandering off onto public roads where the can cause traffic accidents.
From now on, it is prohibited to have animals outdoors in privately owned, unfenced areas, except when, "the animals are properly attached by rope to the ground or to a suitable structure."
The council "will seize and identify any animals found on the road or in public spaces if they are in viloation of the new regulations.” In the case of animals which have been abandoned or if the owner can not be identified, council staff will take them away.
The council "will seize and identify any animals found on the road or in public spaces if they are in viloation of the new regulations.” In the case of animals which have been abandoned or if the owner can not be identified, council staff will take them away.
The deadline for claiming any such animals is five working days, and they "will only be returned by verifying the documentation proving their legitimacy, payment of collection and accommodation expenses as well as proof of compliance of the medical and health standards established by law."
If animals are not claimed within the deadline, they will be considered the property of the council, which can sell them or give them to willing owners, non-profit associations or a zoo.
