Over 120 individuals identified for abandoning animals

This year, the Public Security Police (PSP) and the National Republican Guard (GNR) identified a total of 124 people for abandoning pet animals. This crime is considered an offense under the Portuguese Penal Code.

According to the legislation, abandoning pet animals can result in a prison sentence of up to six months or fines that can reach up to 60 days. The penalties may be increased by one third if the abandonment poses a danger to the life of the abandoned animal.

The identification operations carried out by the PSP and GNR aimed to raise awareness among the public about the responsibilities of having pets and the legal duties associated with this.

The authorities urge responsible adoption and the reporting of abandonment cases, which constitute a significant problem in the country, particularly impacting vulnerable animals.

The continuous efforts of the security forces aim to combat abandonment situations and ensure animal welfare.