ADN Madeira advocates for a public evaluation of the implementation of animal protection and welfare legislation across the region's 11 municipalities. Party representative Maíza Fernandes stated the need to clarify municipal veterinary coverage, official collection methods, enforcement, and available resources, alongside cooperation with local associations.
The party points to regional legislation requiring each municipality to have a municipal veterinarian, a deadline set for the end of 2018. However, a 2025 report indicates that some municipalities lack this service, prompting ADN's call for public clarification.
ADN Madeira proposes the release of an updated map of the municipalities, detailing existing veterinary coverage, official animal collection solutions, and their capacity. They also seek aggregated data on collected, sterilized, adopted, and legally euthanized animals. Enforcement, including complaint handling and actions against neglect or abuse, is another area the party wishes to see clarified.
The party emphasizes the vital role of animal protection associations, often facing significant financial and material challenges, and argues that public policy should focus on prevention and enforcement, ensuring institutional cooperation. ADN Madeira believes the recent Santo Tirso case serves as a warning to act proactively before such situations escalate to legal proceedings.
