Petition Calls for Stronger Laws to Stop Animal Mistreatment in Madeira
A growing petition addressed to the Regional Government of Madeira and the City Council of Funchal is urging officials to take urgent steps to stop cruelty toward animals. The petition, which has been published a few weeks back on Madeira Expat Services, is recently circulating in news outlets such as Jornal da Madeira and is gaining traction with already more than 1000 signatures and counting. Residents and animal welfare supporters are asking for clear rules and stronger enforcement to improve the lives of animals on the island.
Reports of Chained Dogs, Overcrowded Cages, and Abandoned Kittens
The petition lists several concerning situations. Many dogs are kept chained for long hours without shade, clean water, or enough space. Some are even left behind while still chained. Others live on small rooftops or balconies without protection from heat or storms. Some animals are locked in dirty cages, surrounded by waste, and suffering from untreated injuries.
Cats are often not sterilized, which leads to overpopulation. Kittens are sometimes placed in boxes or plastic bags and left to die. Large birds, such as parrots, are kept in small cages in public places like restaurants, where they are disturbed by noise and lack freedom. Small birds are frequently crammed into tiny cages, unable to fly or stretch their wings.
▶️ Access the Petition here
The Petition’s Demands: Real Change Through Real Enforcement
Those who signed the petition are asking for new rules and better inspection. They want to:
Ban chaining dogs for more than 3 hours a day.
Make sure all animals have access to shade, water, food, and room to move.
Prohibit keeping dogs on balconies, rooftops, or in cages for long hours without shelter.
Make abandoning animals — especially young ones — a criminal act.
Set up safe programs where people can give up animals they can’t care for.
Increase funding for animal shelters and make partnerships with rescue groups.
Launch public awareness campaigns on proper animal care and the legal consequences of mistreatment.
Keep records of animal abuse offenses to hold repeat offenders accountable.
Current Laws Exist but Are Rarely Applied
The petition further points out that Portugal has national laws that protect animals, such as the 2014 law on companion animal welfare and Article 387 of the Penal Code, which makes abuse a criminal offense. However, the petition claims that these laws are not properly enforced. Instead of checking on animal well-being, authorities often only verify documents. Fines for abuse are too low to discourage bad behavior, and very few cases lead to real consequences for the owners.
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