Portugal animal welfare groups call for increased sterilization investment

Animal welfare organizations and veterinarians in Portugal are calling for urgent public policies and increased investment in mandatory sterilization to combat pet overpopulation. While the law prohibiting the slaughter of animals due to overcrowding in Official Collection Centers (CRO) is viewed as an ethical milestone, experts warn that the lack of a National Population Control Plan has led to severe overcrowding and institutionalization of animals within these structures.

Data from the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV) indicates that over 40,000 animals are collected annually by CROs. While adoption rates remain significant, they do not keep pace with the number of animals entering the system. In the previous year, public investment supported more than 74,000 sterilizations, totaling over three million euros.

Local representatives note that the transition away from systematic slaughter has placed immense pressure on municipal facilities. Some centers report being completely full, particularly during the summer months when abandonment rates increase. Advocates argue that without increased funding for sterilization and improved infrastructure, the current system faces a sustainability crisis.