Portugal Assembly approves animal welfare bills

The Assembly of the Republic has approved several animal welfare bills in general, sending them to committee for further development. Key proposals, presented by the PAN and Chega parties, include the creation of a national register for individuals convicted of animal abuse to prevent them from adopting companion animals, and a bill to criminalize zoophilia.

Other legislative proposals were rejected by deputies, including bills from Livre regarding a National Council for Animal Welfare and Protection, Bloco de Esquerda concerning the ban of coercive training devices like electric collars, and JPP regarding restrictions on the maritime export of live animals to countries with lower welfare standards.