Today, news media outlet, JM, stated that pets that die in veterinary clinics in Madeira are incinerated along with the rubbish. João Henriques de Freitas, the animal’s ombudsman, disputes an “unfair situation” and calls for the creation of a specific crematorium. Natália Vieira from ANIMAD also calls for urgent changes, and as such, a public petition has been created for an affordable, dignified disposal of deceased pets.
Addressed to the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, the Regional Government, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment, and the Order of Veterinarians, the petition asks for the following:
– Creation or support for the creation of a public or reimbursed service for the dignified cremation of pets, with the possibility of individual cremation and return of ashes to guardians, at affordable costs;
– Mandatory written informed consent in veterinary clinics, clarifying the owners about the fate of the body and the options available;
– Express prohibition of sending animal bodies to rubbish treatment plants without the knowledge and authorisation of the owners;
– Promotion of awareness campaigns on the rights of guardians and the dignity due to animals until the end of their lives and beyond.
It should be noted that at the moment, the petition has 459 signatures, and you can access the petition here.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
