3,014 Individuals, Mostly Men, Identified as Suspects in Abandoning Pets
Between 2015 and 2024, Portuguese authorities identified 3,014 people suspected of abandoning companion animals in Portugal. Of the suspects, 1,706 were men and 1,308 were women.
The total number of recorded crimes of animal abandonment in the same period reached 6,711. Annual figures ranged from 472 cases in 2015, the lowest year, to 801 cases in 2019, the highest year of the decade. In 2024, authorities reported 652 crimes.
Summer as a Critical Period, More Than One Abandonned Animal Every Day
Authorities highlighted summer as a particularly risky time for animal abandonment. Most abandoned animals were dogs and cats.
Typically, the highest number of companion animals are abandoned during the main vacation period, particularly in summer.
GNR, JM-Madeira
In 2025, the GNR reported 214 crimes of abandonment up to 31 July, while the PSP registered 117 cases up to 30 June. That is more than one abandonned animal every day, plus all the cases that go unreported.
Calls for Responsible Pet Ownership
The police emphasized that adopting a companion animal comes with ongoing responsibilities. The GNR reminded pet owners that if animals cannot be taken on vacation, there are alternatives that provide proper care. “Abandoning a companion animal is never a solution,” the force said. Similarly, the PSP urged citizens to respect animal rights and act responsibly.
Abandoning an Animal Is a Crime and Can Lead to a Prison Sentence
In Portuguese law, abandoning a pet is a criminal offense. According to Article 388 of the Penal Code and Law No. 69/2014, the maximum prison sentence for abandoning a companion animal is up to six months.
Alternatively, the offense can be punished with a fine of up to 60 days. If the abandonment puts the animal’s life in danger, the penalty can be increased by one third.
Besides prison or fines, there can also be additional penalties, such as being banned from keeping animals for up to six years. Authorities noted that raising awareness about responsible ownership remains important as the world observes International Homeless Animal Day today, on 16 August.
Source: JM-Madeira
Care for a share?
Comments