The event, held in Portimão, was reported as a great success, both in terms of attendance as well as the outcome.
The four-and-a-half hour event brought together 11 officials and presenters, including politicians, government representatives and welfare groups in front of an audience of around 90 people – a full house.
British Ambassador to Portugal Kirsty Hayes also attended the event.
Echoing the views of Portugal’s Justice Minister, Francisca van Dunem, expressed the day before, PSD Deputy Dr Cristóvão Norte, the architect of the current pet laws, together with the Mayor of Portimão Dra. Isilda Gomes, called for a change of the law which currently classifies animals as “things”.
A new status should give them what has been called “an intermediate definition”, between a “thing” and a human being.
Those attending the Portimão seminar heard presentations from the regional branch of the National Veterinary Board (DGAV); the GNR; PSP; a government vet; the Animais de Rua association; an animal rescue volunteer and the Pine Trees Riding Centre
The subjects covered the work of the GNR SEPNA and PSP, concerning the rescue of animals, the enforcement of laws and processes involved, an overview of the responsibilities and procedures of the DGAV in Faro, animal welfare in Monchique, the workings of a municipal kennel, the work of an animal rescue volunteer, the equine perspective and dealing with horses.
The government spokespersons also explained the challenges they face and the often lengthy processes involved.
There was also a presentation on the benefits that may be achieved by forming a network support group for animal welfare volunteers in the Algarve in terms of greater communication and collaboration between what is estimated to be over 100 such groups and individuals that exist, as well as dealing with the government. This would help in sharing best practices and information and mutual assistance where needed.
Such a group would also have a greater voice in respect, for instance, of helping to formulate new animal cruelty laws. The concept of greater collaboration was supported by Dr Cristóvão Norte.
The GNR, PSP and DGAV have been consulted concerning this proposal and have expressed a willingness to deal with such a representative group.
David Thomas President of Safe Communities Portugal said: “Pet cruelty is a crime and this should be extended to other animals as well. The forming of a support network will help give a more uniformed voice to this subject, which is essential in helping in the efficient formulation of future law changes”.
He added “the role of Safe Communities is to bring people together to determine a better way forward – thereafter it will be the role of the key players to carry this forward”.
This proposal made by David Thomas and Dra. Ana Silva, the municipal vet for Monchique, was unanimously supported by those attending the seminar as well as many others who have contacted Safe Communities.
A working group of around 12 experts with both local and overseas experience is being formed, which will comprise those active in animal welfare both in Portugal and abroad.
Among the experts is an animal welfare worker who re-homed 300 dogs in Delhi, India.
The group is diverse, representing individual volunteers, kennels, vets and re-homing organisations from different areas in the Algarve, covering different types of animals.
It is expected the first meeting will take place around late May.
For more information, contact: info@safecommunitiesalgarve.com. The presentations including the current laws are being placed on the Safe Communities Portugal website. www.safecommunities portugal.com, under ‘crime prevention advice’/ ‘Animal protection’.