The Pessoas Animais Natureza (PAN) party has proposed an initiative to allow the presence and movement of pets on beaches, modifying the current regulations on the management of maritime beaches.
In Portugal, there are approximately 4 million registered pets, with 72% of Portuguese households owning a pet, yet few are able to enjoy a day at a Portuguese beach, the PAN stated in a communiqué released on Wednesday.
This initiative, which would permit dogs on beaches, also aims to combat the significant issue of animal abandonment that occurs in the summer months, the party explained.
Although the law currently permits pets in commercial establishments under specific conditions, only six concessionary beaches across the mainland officially allow dogs, clarified the PAN. The proposed legislation seeks to include the designation of authorized areas for the presence and movement of pets within the framework that governs coastal planning, as long as existing legal obligations are met.
These rules include the necessity for leashes in common access areas to the beach, the presence of the owner, as well as the obligation to collect waste. There should also be the establishment of collection points and the availability of watering points for animals at beach access points.
Inês Sousa Real, quoted in the note, emphasized that animals are seen as integral parts of the family and should be able to accompany their families in outdoor activities, such as going to the beach, similar to practices in various European countries like Spain, Greece, and Italy.
The PAN believes current legislation does not align with societal advances and perceptions regarding pets, concluded the spokesperson.
