Regional Government calls on pet owners to act responsibly during holiday season - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Regional Government, aware of the importance of animal welfare, called on all pet owners to act responsibly during the upcoming holiday season.

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, stressed that "pets are a lifelong commitment" and that "awareness campaigns are being developed" by distributing flyers and using social media to raise awareness on this issue.

"These campaigns aim to promote responsible behaviour as well as guide sterilisation and identification. Success depends on everyone's cooperation and moral awareness," stressed the government official.

As he pointed out, pet abandonment is an act of irresponsibility and cruelty that has serious consequences, not only for pets, causing them suffering, but also for society, contributing to public health and safety issues.

Many abandoned pets are unable to survive on their own, and those that do survive may become part of the stray population, causing disruption and risks to the community.

In addition to the suffering of pets, the increase in the number of abandoned pets overloads official collection centres and animal protection associations, which work tirelessly to give them a second chance.