The petition addressed to the Regional Government of Madeira and the Funchal City Council, demanding stricter laws and effective enforcement to protect animals from cruelty and neglect, has already been signed by more than 1,200 people.
Entitled ‘Paradise for Tourists – Hell for Animals,’ the petition’s main objective is to end animal cruelty in Madeira.
“Madeira has been an example of cleanliness, beauty, and hospitality for tourists and visitors, but it is a bad example in the protection of its animals. With the increase in global interaction and its presentation as a popular destination, it will be increasingly difficult for Madeira to hide this negative aspect: the poor treatment of animals. Madeira has the opportunity to become an example of animal protection, and this will only happen with stricter laws and effective enforcement. Many countries and regions around the world have implemented laws restricting the chaining and confinement of dogs. These include Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Sweden, the United States, and others. It is time for Madeira to join these countries to protect its animals.”
PAN-Madeira today publicly expressed its full solidarity with the signatories of the public petition ‘Paradise for Tourists – Hell for Animals’, which denounces alleged situations of cruelty against animals in the Autonomous Region of Madeira and demands effective measures to combat them.
According to the party, the complaint made by an expatriate support platform confirms what PAN has warned about: the systematic non-compliance with animal protection legislation and the lack of political response by regional and local authorities.
The petition describes situations of recurrent mistreatment, including prolonged chaining, confinement in unsanitary spaces, abandonment of kittens and puppies, and lack of adequate supervision. Despite the existence of national legislation that criminalizes the mistreatment of animals, such as Decree-Law No. 69/2014 and Article 387 of the Penal Code, its application in Madeira remains insufficient, says the PAN.
This petition is not new. It is a reflection of the indifference of the Government of the Republic, the region, and many municipalities in the face of animal welfare. PAN Madeira has been an active voice and persistent in this cause, but the competent authorities continue to ignore the problem. The Region cannot be promoted as a natural paradise as long as those in charge close their eyes to the suffering of the region’s animals, stated Válter Ramos, head of the PAN list for the Legislative elections for the Madeira constituency
The party stresses that this is not only a matter of justice for animals, but also a matter of image, ethics, and social development of the region. PAN-Madeira defends a structural transformation with concrete actions that make Madeira a reference in animal welfare, after years of legislative proposals and complaints that have met resistance from public entities.
To access the petition platform please click on this link: A public petition was recently launched demanding concrete and urgent measures to combat animal cruelty in Madeira. You will have to include your residence or citizen card number.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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