PAN has presented a bill that proposes to change the planning and management regime of sea beaches to allow the movement and permanent presence of pets in these areas.
In this project, signed by the sole MP and party leader Inés Sousa Real, People-Animais-Natureza explains that the objective is to allow the movement and permanent presence of pets on beaches, provided that they comply with existing legal obligations, such as “the need to use a leash in common areas leading to the beach,” the presence of an animal caretaker and the obligation to collect garbage.
In connection with this change in the law, PAN argues, it is also necessary to ensure that waste collection points are placed in beach access areas and that drinking places are provided for pets.
In an explanatory note to the draft, PAN recalls that currently anyone walking with a companion animal on a beach whose movement is prohibited is subject to a fine of up to 2,500 euros, and claims that the current legislation “does not correspond to the achievements and understanding of society, as well as to the way it treats pets.”
The party recalls a study that found that in Portugal, about 56% of Portuguese homes have at least one pet, and that they are “considered to contribute to the physical and psychological well-being of their caregivers.”
“Since they are considered an integral part of the family, they should also be able to accompany their family in its activities, such as outdoor activities such as going to the beach, as is already the case in some European countries,” PAN says.
Portugal currently allows dogs on six licensed beaches across the mainland, and the party points to current legislation in countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece, where the law is more liberal regarding the presence of animals in bathing areas.
In this proposal, PAN also recalls the change in the law in 2018, which allowed the presence of pets, as well as catering and trade services in Portugal.
“Despite the initial controversy surrounding the approval of this change, it has been demonstrated that allowing pets to be brought into the premises has not caused any inconvenience,” PAN stressed.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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