FEDRA and ICNF met to explore collaborative efforts to address the challenges in animal welfare and preservation in Portugal.

FEDRA expressed a strong interest in joining the ICNF Advisory Council — one of the key bodies in shaping policies and strategies aimed at nature conservation and animal welfare across the country.

On August 5, FEDRA (Federation for Animal Defense and Rescue) held a meeting with ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests) to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations to advance animal welfare initiatives. During the meeting, representatives from the animal welfare associations under FEDRA acknowledged and commended the ICNF’s efforts over the past three years in developing and implementing measures to protect and promote animal welfare, a critical area facing complex challenges.

What measures?

Highlighted measures include providing incentives for investments in Official Animal Collection Centers. Additionally, support is offered for the establishment, expansion, or improvement of facilities for animal welfare associations. Furthermore, funding is provided for campaigns focused on animal identification, sterilization, and awareness-raising activities.

These initiatives were incorporated into the State Budget in the same year that several measures were approved to ensure the autonomous treatment of companion animal welfare. Moreover, these efforts are integral to the national strategy for stray animals, focusing on identification, sterilization, adoption, education, and engagement. Additionally, the ICNF’s strategy aims to align animal welfare with public health, thereby promoting a significant shift in this paradigm in Portugal.

Desire to do more

Fully aware of the complexity of this area, FEDRA expressed its desire to join the ICNF Advisory Council, aiming to play a pivotal role in defining policies and strategies for nature conservation and animal welfare in the country. By getting involved, they aim to represent animal welfare associations more effectively in decision-making processes affecting animals, and ensure better coordination of national strategies for stray animals.

Amid financial constraints and the high number of stray animals in Portugal dominating the news, this meeting provided an opportunity to address the main challenges facing the sector. Leading animal welfare associations also expressed their willingness to participate in political and strategic decisions, aiming to tackle the primary issues related to animal welfare and preservation in Portugal.

Concerns about delays in the publication of funding notices for associations were also discussed, as these notices are crucial for the sustainability of organizations focused on animal welfare. Ensuring timely announcements would enable these associations to apply for necessary funding to continue their rescue, protection, and care efforts for animals in Portugal.

The commitment

ICNF’s President, Nuno Banza, Vice President, Paulo Salsa, and Director of the Department of Animal Welfare, Alexandra Pereira, along with representatives from various national animal welfare associations under FEDRA, attended the meeting and committed to ongoing cooperation and dialogue. Both parties expressed readiness to collaborate, with associations offering their extensive experience, deep knowledge, and dedication to animal welfare to tackle the challenges in this field.

About FEDRA

Six key organizations dedicated to protecting animal life and contributing to their well-being established FEDRA to create a representative body for the animal welfare sector in Portugal. Active since February 22, the federation collaborates to strengthen the network of support for animal welfare across the country.

Member Organizations

The member organizations of FEDRA include Animalife, the Portuguese League for Animal Rights (LPDA), NIRA – Animal Intervention and Rescue Unit, Animais de Rua, the Animal Protection Society (SPA), and Milene Prudente. Together, these organizations work towards common goals, advocating for animal rights and implementing initiatives to improve the lives of animals throughout Portugal.

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