According to its webpage, Quebr ‘a Corrente “is the first civic movement in the country to free chained dogs, through the fencing of outdoor spaces, and always in collaboration with the owners.
“We believe that a lack of financial means is not tantamount to a lack of love from owners towards animals, and we are inspired by this principle in all our actions, through a philosophy of understanding and without judging”.
Speaking to newspaper Público, Quebr ‘a Corrente’s founder, Tânia Mesquita, explained how she was moved to start the movement late last year after seeing dogs permanently chained in her own rural neighbourhood.
A Crowdfunding platform has now been launched to help raise funds for the movement to achieve its objective of helping animals north to south of Portugal, with the collaboration of volunteer activists and partnerships all over the country, by providing fencing to securely enclose the owners’ outside spaces so the animals can be released from their chains.
Quebr ‘a Corrente also aims to raise awareness among owners by providing information on the risks of keeping a dog chained up, as well as on how to best feed, house and care for animals.
“Keeping dogs chained is unsafe for oneself and for the community”, Quebr ‘a Corrente warns, explaining: “Chained dogs suffer from emotional stress, behavioural problems and are eight times more likely to bite. It is more difficult to care for a dog that is tethered or tied up because the chains get caught on obstacles and prevent them from reaching food, water or shelter. Dogs are also more vulnerable to being attacked by others, and bitches get pregnant if they are not sterilised”.
The movement stresses that it is powered by “activists and donations”, which “allows more animals to be released.
“We need several forms of support to fulfil our mission. We need activists with or without experience to build the fences, and also fencing materials like mesh, stakes, gates and tools”.
According to Portuguese law, keeping a dog permanently chained is a violation of the law which regulates the safeguarding of animals (Decree-Law no. 276/2001 and Decree-Law no. 315/2003)”; however, Quebr ‘a Corrente says, “it is still a frequent reality in our country”.
The Portugal News contacted the movement earlier this week, but at the time of going to press had not yet received any additional comments or updates.
For more information, see website: www.quebraacorrente.pt