Thousands protest in Lisbon for animal rights
Thousands protested in Lisbon for animal rights. The public prosecutor's office sought to have a law against the mistreatment of pets declared unconstitutional.
Constitutional court examines animal protection law
On Wednesday, 18 January 2023, the Portuguese public prosecutor's office requested the constitutional court to declare unconstitutional a law that imposes fines or prison sentences for the mistreatment of pets.
Dog owner Sandra Almeida made the long journey to the Portuguese capital Lisbon on Saturday to join thousands of people who took to the streets to give animals a voice.
"Justice cannot close its eyes to the evolution of the times," said Almeida. "Many animals are today part of our families, and nothing justifies cruel crimes."
President calls animal protection law an 'undeniable necessity'
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated that a law to punish those who mistreat animals was an 'undeniable necessity'.
Filipe Vicente, a 45-year-old dog and cat owner, described the current situation as a "notorious step backwards". "I think this is one of the most important signs of a civilisation that claims to be developed but in reality is not," said Vicente.
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