Olhão Council has created an animal welfare monitoring group (Grupo de Acompanhamento do Bem-Estar Animal, or GABEA) which got together for the first time last Friday. The plan is for the group to meet every three months.
The group integrates three local associations – Associação para a Proteção dos Animais de Rua (APAR); Associação de Defesa dos Animais e Plantas de Olhão (ADAPO); and Liga Olhanense dos Amigos dos Animais Abandonados (LOAAA) – as well as representatives from the town’s “informal” animal caretakers.
The meeting was also attended by local councillor Ricardo Calé, in charge of Medical-Veterinarian Intervention and Public Health, as well as representatives from the local parish council.
Addressing attendees, councillor Ricardo Calé said: “The associations you represent are fundamental to the development of the animal cause, which is why it is important to meet so that, together, we can create a strategy for animal welfare in 2022.
“It is important for us to hear from you, who are out in the field 24 hours a day,” he added.
