The proposal from the Chega party to amend various laws to “intensify protection” for companion animals was rejected in parliament, receiving votes against from PSD, PS, CDS-PP, PCP, and Livre, with BE abstaining.
The parliament approved a resolution from Livre recommending the government to identify gaps in the legal protection of animals.
The initiative from Livre was opposed by IL and CDS-PP and saw abstentions from PSD and PCP. It has been forwarded to the 7th Committee.
Presenting PAN’s initiative, deputy Inês Sousa Real emphasized that not all animal mistreatment acts are prohibited by law, citing examples such as the beating or violation of animals “to death.”
Defending Chega’s draft bill, deputy Pedro Frazão mentioned data indicating 10,000 reports of animal mistreatment and abandonment have led to only 17 arrests in the past five years.
Livre aims to deepen legal protections for companion animals, arguing that practices endangering animal well-being can also affect ecosystems and public health.
PS expressed opposition to increasing penalties concerning Chega’s proposal, as stated by Pedro Delgado Alves, while agreeing to discuss technical challenges in implementing existing regulations.
PCP deputy Paula Santos voiced “serious doubts and reservations” about the presented initiatives.
For IL, PAN’s proposal lacked “the necessary maturity” and did not meet the requirements for approval, announced deputy Rui Rocha during the debate preceding the votes.
PSD recalled the progress made in recent years and commended PAN and Livre’s initiatives, particularly Livre’s resolution, which deputy Cristóvão Norte deemed a “sensible and responsible” measure for recommending awareness on the matters at hand.
