At least that was the view of many of the 140 people who attended the event held at the Conrad Hotel last week on 4 February, 2016.
The aim of the seminar was to promote greater awareness of the animal cruelty laws, the work of government and non-government entities in dealing with this subject and to provide a basis for further improvement since the introduction of criminal offense of pet cruelty in 2014.
The event was opened by Loulé Mayor Dr. Vitor Manuel Gonçalves Aleixo, who stressed the importance of this subject.
Opening addresses were then given by David Thomas, President of Safe Communities Algarve, Tenente-Coronel Palhau, Deputy Commander of the GNR Faro Territorial Command, and Clive Jewell, British vice Consul who represented Kirsty Hayes, the British Ambassador who was originally scheduled to attend, but was called to the UK.
Clive Jewell stressed the importance of working together to tackle challenging issues and took the opportunity to inform the British participants of their voting rights concerning the referendum regarding the UK’s continuing membership of the EU.
Both the government and non-government presenters gave a very clear overview of their work, their procedures as well as the constraints which they faced, both regarding resources, and of course the fact that all actions must be in accordance with the law.
Dr. Paulo Sepúlveda, a Public Prosecutor, spent a considerable amount of time producing a very comprehensive overview of the animal cruelty laws and judicial practice.
Although there was insufficient time to go through all of this at the seminar, it is now available in English and Portuguese www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com/crimepreventionadive/animal protection, together with other presentations.
The GNR presentation by Tenente Pedro Fernandes was well received, explaining the procedures which the GNR adopted when dealing with cruelty and abandonment cases, explaining clearly that they are the first line of response 24/7 but need the support of other departments which were not always available outside office hours – for instance in the case of removal of dead animals.
He also gave comprehensive details on the number of cases and criminal prosecutions and infringements as well as an outline of the laws.
Ana Silva, the municipal vet from Monchique gave a lively presentation on the initiatives being taken on the neutering of pets in her council area and the various programmes they are undertaking.
Laura McGeoch, President of SOS Algarve Animals, gave an overview of the cases they deal with and an international comparison of the numbers of stray animals, cases of animal abuse and various other statistics.
Karin Foster a dog behaviour expert from “Pawsitive Dogs” focused on the link between dog behaviour and cruelty and Bev Gibbons Pine Trees Riding Centre focused on the mistreatment of horses.
The overwhelming theme was however the need for the various groups concerned with animal cruelty to interact more closely with one another and with government, and vice versa, if improvements concerning animal cruelty are to be more comprehensively addressed.
Regarding questions concerning greater collaboration with government and between various groups, David Thomas stated that it was in the hands of the many groups attending the seminar. He reflected in his opening address that “building capacity to enforce the laws and deal with these issues through co-operation, collaboration and co-ordination is essential”.
He added that “there is a need to collectively harness the knowledge, experience and innovation in all sectors if greater progress is to be achieved”.
Tribute was also paid to Bridget Hicks, a well-known long term Algarve resident who founded the LAPS animal protection association and who passed away a year ago.
During question time, Raoul Rui Martinez, speaking on behalf of Eurofinesco, stated “Margaret ‘Bridget’ Hicks had dedicated her life to the protection of animals, saving and re-homing over 5,000 dogs and cats. She was a champion to her cause, living most of her life in the Algarve where she eventually passed away on 6 February 2015.”
He added that a trust had been launched called the ‘Margaret Black Johnston Trust’, settled by Margaret ‘Bridget’ Hicks.
The trustees communicate directly with the ‘Protector’ of the trust who is based in the Algarve, Mr J W Hamilton, managing director of Eurofinesco S.A.
He was appointed by Bridget during her lifetime to oversee the distribution of the trust fund on behalf of her society, LAPS (the Lagos Animal Protection Society), after she died.
Whilst the last animals are being cared for and re-homed from her former residence in Monte Ruivo, Odiaxere, it is the long-term goal of the trust fund, when this phase is complete, that it provides for the spaying and neutering of homeless animals within the Algarve.
Effectively, upon the presentation of an official veterinary bill to the ‘Protector’, Mr J W Hamilton, he will be in a position to request funds from the trustees to reimburse the sponsor.
For all initial enquiries or further information, contact info@eurofinesco.com or contact the office during the week on 289 561 333.
Safe Communities Algarve plans to hold a further similar seminar in the Algarve soon, and details will be placed on their website www. safecommunitiesalgarve.com.