Political party, People-Animals-Nature (PAN), has requested a parliamentary hearing at the Legislative Assembly of Madeira (ALRAM), regarding the case of the desert lynx that was seized by the GNR in early July. The lynx died with week after it was returned to its owners, with many believing that the animal was adversely affected by the sedative it was given.
Issuing a statement, party representative, Mónica Freitas categorically stated:
“We will not let this case fall into oblivion and that the due responsibilities are not ascertained. More than 20 thousand people deserve to know the outcome of this case, and all political parties have the responsibility to investigate the events surrounding Borles’s death and ensure that protocols are set in place to protect all animals seized and that we learn from our mistakes.”
In the same note, PAN stresses that it was aware of the situation, requesting opinions at the time from the Order of Veterinarians and independent entities on the care to be taken with this type of species.
“PAN immediately requested, after the death of the lynx, that a necropsy be carried out to determine responsibilities. The outcome has not been made public, and the situation has fallen into oblivion, but PAN does not forget animal welfare and will continue to give voice to those who have no voice. At the parliamentary hearing, we intend to call the different entities responsible for the entry of animals into the Region, the inspection entities, and the government entities that have the duty to safeguard animal welfare.”
“We also requested from the Assembly, the autopsy report as well as other useful documents for a better analysis and knowledge of the entire situation. It is necessary to reflect on how this type of animal was able to enter Madeiran territory, the lynx is not the only case, what measures exist to control and supervise this situation, the way veterinarians act in these situations, and above all the governmental responsibility.”
The party also reinforces “the importance of creating a sanctuary in the Region, to receive illegally imported animals and provide them with the necessary care and housing and not depend on agreements with private entities.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
