PAN notes that, on Tuesday, at a Leaders' Conference, it had scheduled the debate on the draft bill amending the decree-law on this subject for 3 October, in order to animals to go into commercial establishments, a discussion that will take place following a petition.

Current legislation does not allow animals into enclosed spaces that provide catering drinks services, even if the owner of the establishment authorises it, a rule that does not apply to service dogs, PAN said in a statement.

"Given that animals are increasingly part of the life of Portuguese families," the party considers that it should be possible for the owners of those establishments to decide whether or not they want to admit animals, "as long as they do not have access to the food preparation or handling area."

Many pets accompany their owners in leisure activities and other parts of their daily lives, and PAN considers it "natural" that they should also want to be accompanied by their dog, for example, when they grab a bite to eat at a café or pastry shop.

This measure "prevents animals from having to wait at the door of supermarkets or inside the car while their owners are inside these establishments," said André Silva, MP for PAN, quoted in the statement.

"We want to follow the example of many of the EU countries, thus ensuring freedom of choice for the owners of the establishments, as well as for customers who want to take their animals with them," Silva said.