Discovery in São Roque Shocks Local Residents
Several newborn kittens were found abandoned in a garbage bag on Tuesday in São Roque, Funchal. According to a witness who contacted JM-Madeira, the animals were taken from the mother in a rush and still in a very fragile state when discovered.
They still have their placentas attached, so it’s clear they were taken from their mother as soon as they were born and treated like trash, abandoned on the street
Witness, JM-Madeira
They also noted that this was the second time in the same area that kittens had been found in similar circumstances. The identity of the person responsible remains unknown.
Immediate Veterinary Care Required
The kittens were rescued by the local animal protection group Vamos Lá Madeira. They were taken directly to a veterinary clinic, as the presence of the placenta was causing serious health risks. According to the association, such conditions can lead to infections and other life-threatening complications for newborn animals.
Animal Welfare Laws and Ongoing Challenges
In Portugal, abandoning animals is illegal and punishable by law. Despite this, cases of animal abandonment continue to be reported in Madeira and across the country. Tierri Alveno, president of Vamos Lá Madeira, condemned the incident.
Not only is abandoning animals illegal, but it’s cruel and insensitive. And it’s also pointless - in just a few weeks, the mother cat will have kittens again. We urge anyone who has the mother cat to contact us so we can help with spaying and caring for the mother
Call for Sterilization and Help of the Community
The association is encouraging pet owners to sterilize their animals to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of abandoned animals. They also remind residents that both the City Council and local animal organizations can provide assistance with sterilization and animal care.
We need the community’s help to prevent cases like this. If people cannot care for their animals, there are resources available. No animal should end up in the trash.
Tierri Alveno, JM-Madeira
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