RIR (React – Include – Recycle) party member, Roberto Vieira, has voiced his concern as to the legality of all municipal kennels and catteries. In a press note he said that “we have learned that Vasco Gil’s kennel and cattery in Santo António has yet to be given legal status and is located in an area of trees and scrub which places all the resident animals and staff at considerable risk.”
We are aware of what happened in Santo Tirso, Portugal, where dozens of animals were burned to death as a result of a fire, and this should serve as an example for the CMF and all city council executives as it is the responsibility of the City Councils to collect and transport abandoned animals to secure municipal facilities that are both hygienic and safe.
The RIR Party member went on to say that it is ‘strange’ that the CMF manages these facilities which are effectively unlicenced. Moreover, a recently built kennel/cattery in the Fundoa area is also illegal although the building work was undertaken by direct agreement. So the question is? Can supposedly illegal works be done with direct agreement?
The RIR Party has called on the Funchal City Council, to legalise only those kennels/catteries and collection centres that comply with the minimum requirements covering hygiene, safety and animal welfare. Finally, the party has called on everyone to do something for animals! They cannot vote, but their friends can!”
The RIR comments come after a dog bit a 10-year-old girl in Beco da Levada de São João. Apparently, this is not the first time this particular dog has bitten someone, and residents have ask that anyone who has witnessed the animal being aggressive either with themselves or others to report it to the competent authorities.
Please also note that many of these street dogs have endured ‘awful’ experiences through no fault of their own, and should only be approached by those competent in dealing with stray animals. On no account should any stray animal be teased or made to feel threatened.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
