Portuguese MP, Inês Sousa Real, from the People–Animals–Nature (PAN) party, welcomed an assistance dog, Teddy, to Parliament on Wednesday, following the dog’s refusal to board a TAP flight from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon with a 12-year-old autistic child, after a separation of about two months.
“Historic day for the protection of families and animals in Portugal! We received Teddy and Alice in Parliament to introduce the ‘Teddy Law’, aiming to change the rules for transporting companion and assistance animals, allowing them to fly in the cabin and not in the hold,” Inês Sousa Real wrote on Twitter.
The MP emphasized to the media that “animals are not merchandise,” asserting the need for regulation that enables families, particularly those with assistance or emotional support dogs, to travel with animals in the cabin.
She highlighted that the Civil Code recognizes animals as sentient beings and noted this year marks 30 years of animal protection law. She advocated for legislation that allows all companion animals to travel in the cabin in a regulated, hygienic, and safe manner for all passengers and the animals themselves.
Dia histórico para a proteção das famílias e dos animais em Portugal! Recebemos o Teddy e a Alice no Parlamento, para dar entrada da “Lei Teddy” com vista a mudar as regras do transporte de animais de companhia e de assistência,, e permitir que voem na cabine e não no porão. pic.twitter.com/g8lyJP7TrC
— Inês Sousa Real (@InesSousaReal) June 11, 2025
“This is a matter of sensitivity and empathy,” she argued, urging other parties to support this initiative to prevent pets from being treated like cargo and to ensure families like Alice’s can travel safely and with emotional stability.
Alice’s father, Renato Sá, expressed gratitude towards Inês Sousa Real and shared his emotional reaction. He stated, “I am very happy and have high expectations that other children and adults can benefit from this law.”
He further commented that the project transcends party politics, as it is a basic need and right for people with disabilities, expressing disbelief that any MP would oppose such an initiative.
Teddy arrived in Lisbon at the end of May, accompanied by trainer Ricardo Cazarotte and Alice’s sister, Hayanne Porto, after negotiations involving the Ministry of Ports and Airports, Alice’s father, and TAP.
TAP’s Brazil director, Carlos Antunes, informed O Globo that the 35-kilogram animal was classified as an emotional support dog without a valid certificate and not accompanying a person with a disability. Despite a Brazilian court order, boarding in the cabin was denied as it conflicted with the airline’s flight operation manual.
He indicated that the option of the animal traveling in the hold was provided, but was refused by Hayanne.
The family disputed this, claiming the certificate was valid in Portugal.
The situation began on April 8 when the parents, Alice, and Teddy travelled to Portugal, with TAP initially refusing Teddy’s boarding. On May 16, a judge ordered the dog to fly with Hayanne.
The dog had previously accompanied Alice on a trip to Orlando, USA, trained to go hours without eating.
TAP confirmed that they proposed a solution for Teddy to fly within days aboard one of their aircraft, expressing confidence that it would be acceptable to the family involved.
