Regional Government warns against abandoning pets during holidays
Ponta Delgada
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
With the holiday season approaching, the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, urges all pet owners to act responsibly and warns them of the consequences of abandoning pets.
Abandonment is an act of irresponsibility and cruelty, with serious consequences for pets, the community and the organisations working daily to protect them.
Deprived of basic care, these pets face hunger, thirst, disease, road accidents and violence, and are often unable to survive on their own.
In addition to the severe suffering caused to pets, this practice contributes to an increase in the number of stray animals. This situation poses risks to public health and road safety, whilst also placing a strain on Official Animal Collection Centres and animal welfare organisations, which carry out exhaustive, day-to-day work to rehabilitate these animals.
For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, the key message is very clear: “Getting a pet is a decision and a lifelong commitment.”
The government official emphasised that adopting or acquiring a pet entails an ongoing duty of care, protection and respect that cannot be neglected whilst families are on holiday.
“This is not merely a slogan to raise awareness, but an ethical commitment. Pets depend entirely on their owners for food, healthcare, protection and affection. During the holidays, just as at any other time of year, they deserve to continue receiving the care they need. Taking responsibility for pets means finding suitable solutions for their care whenever the family is away,” defended António Ventura.
The Regional Secretary pointed out that there are now various options for balancing holidays with animal welfare.
Planning allows people to use pet-friendly accommodation and tourist destinations, pet hotels, temporary shelter services, or even support from family and friends.
Alongside its awareness-raising efforts, the Regional Government has been promoting campaigns and providing structural support aimed at the electronic identification and neutering of pets. These preventive measures are essential tools for combating abandonment and promoting animal welfare throughout the archipelago.
