Ajuda a Alimentar Cães, an animal welfare group, is urging pet owners across Madeira to bring their animals indoors. The appeal comes as storm Charles approaches the islands with heavy rain, cold and strong wind.
The group posted its warning on Tuesday. It flagged the danger facing dogs and cats left chained outside, or kept on balconies and in yards without proper shelter.
Not only humans will be affected.
Ajuda a Alimentar Cães
The charity argues that doghouses alone do not offer enough protection once wind and rain turn severe. It wants owners to move animals into safe indoor spaces, rather than leaving them tied up or exposed on balconies, yards or open land.
Animals cannot protect themselves, and they depend entirely on us.
Ajuda a Alimentar Cães
Red Rain Warning Runs Until 06:00 on Wednesday
The appeal follows a red rain warning that Portugal's weather service, IPMA, placed on Madeira's south coast. Câmara de Lobos is already preparing emergency shelters ahead of the storm.
The warning covers strong, persistent rain starting at 21:00 on Tuesday and ending at 06:00 on Wednesday. That is the same window in which the charity says pets are most exposed.
South Coast Winds May Gust to 100 KM/H
An orange wind warning also applies to the south coast, running from 21:00 on Tuesday to midday on Wednesday. Gusts there could reach 100 km/h.
Mountain Areas Face a Red Alert at 140 KM/H
Higher ground faces a sharper risk. IPMA has placed Madeira's mountain areas under a red wind alert, with gusts forecast up to 140 km/h.
These are the conditions behind the charity's appeal. Animals left outdoors in such wind and rain have little chance to shelter themselves.
Charity Asks Neighbors Not to Just Film and Walk Away
Ajuda a Alimentar Cães also appealed to the wider public. It asked residents who spot a neglected animal to approach the owner and offer help, instead of simply taking photographs.
If every person who sees neglected animals does not stay indifferent and tries to help in some way, we can improve conditions for many animals.
Ajuda a Alimentar Cães
The group closed its appeal with a call to protect animals and people as the bad weather takes hold across Madeira.
Source: jm-madeira.pt
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