The People-Animals-Nature Party (PAN) proposes in a draft resolution an extraordinary review of the Constitution to enshrine animal protection, and accuses the government of a lack of commitment to the issue.
On World Animal Day, which is celebrated this Wednesday, the party wants the Assembly of the Republic to immediately enshrine the protection of animals in the Constitution, PAN explains in a statement.
In the document, PAN spokesperson Inés Souza Real accuses Prime Minister António Costa and the government of “repeatedly failing to comply with the obligation to extend the protection of criminal guardianship to all animals taking refuge in the Constitutional Court.”
“There is a serious risk that a criminal law that criminalizes cruelty to pets may be declared unconstitutional. We therefore believe that it is justified for the Assembly of the Republic to assume powers of extraordinary constitutional review in order to enshrine the protection of animals in law. Constitution as soon as possible. Immediately possible. Only in this way will we be able to address these risks, ensuring that Portugal’s fundamental law is adapted to the 21st century and in line with Portuguese values,” says Ines Sousa Real.
Civil society, PAN recalls, recently submitted a petition to parliament with more than 90 thousand subscribers to include animal protection in the Constitution and to maintain criminal protection for animals.
PAN, in connection with the day celebrated this Wednesday, also emphasizes the need to reduce VAT on animal feed and veterinary medical services.
Also on the occasion of World Animal Day, Chega presents two bills and a draft resolution.
One of the bills also reduces the VAT rate on pet food to an interim rate.
The party says “pet abandonment continues to be a phenomenon” in Portugal, with an average of 40,000 animals abandoned each year.
In the context of the economic crisis that the country is experiencing, especially due to inflation and increasing bank loans, it is “easy to foresee” that the phenomenon of abandonment and cruelty to animals will continue, the party explains.
Chega is also introducing a bill to amend diplomas to combat pet abandonment and promote pet welfare, addressing the issue of constitutional revision.
The party proposes doubling fines for abandoning or cruelty to pets. And it adds an additional sanction prohibiting the detention of pets.
In the draft resolution, Chega recommends that the government, in cooperation with local authorities, animal welfare associations and the Order of Veterinarians, promote the launch of a National Sterilization Campaign starting in 2024.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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