Portuguese municipalities implement animal welfare and preservation initiatives

In Palmela, the municipal council has unanimously approved an expansion of the ‘Adote uma Saloia’ project. The initiative will increase financial support from 400 to 800 euros to support four Saloia sheep instead of two. This rare breed is being preserved through the efforts of ARCOLSA (Associação Regional de Criadores de Ovinos Leiteiros da Serra da Arrábida). The project focuses on preservation and pedagogy rather than commercial production, utilizing the animals for educational purposes at the Museu do Ovelheiro and the Escola Profissional da Moita.

In Salvaterra de Magos, local authorities reported that 214 abandoned or stray animals were collected between January and July 2026. During this period, 176 adoptions were recorded, including 121 dogs and 55 cats. The municipality currently manages several animals directly, while the local association Terra de Duendes (also known as Vira Latas) cares for 208 animals. The council is considering the construction of new municipal facilities to better manage animal recovery and temporary housing.