Both the Mayor of Funchal, Miguel Silva Gouveia, accompanied by Vice-President Idalina Perestrelo, who oversees the municipality’s animal welfare, today inaugurated the new Domestic Animal Collection Centre in Fundoa. The new centre cost 60.000 euros, can house 80 dogs and will be used to complement the work that has been developed at Vasco Gil Kennel. The centre will be used to house and rehabilitate street dogs that have become aggressive towards the city’s citizens as well as animals who were being housed in unsuitable and dangerous conditions.
The new shelter consists of eight rows of kennels to accommodate the animals plus an open area for them to move freely. With the opening of the centre, the Vice President reiterated his call for the non abandonment of animals, especially as adoptions are falling behind the number of animals in need of rescuing.
The Mayor, ended his visit by saying that the Regional Government has already invested approximately 1.5 million euros in animal welfare, as well as choosing welfare and protection over euthanasia of stray animals. He went on to say “we have tried over the last few years to set an example and contribute to change the vision of the city and the way we act as a society with regards to animal welfare. The change is evident, but we know that the road is long and we will continue to focus our efforts to make Funchal a more animal-friendly city.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
