Portuguese livestock compensation disputes

In September 2026, livestock producers and shepherds in the Miranda do Douro, Vimioso, and Mogadouro regions of Portugal held protests to demand timely government compensation for losses caused by wolf attacks. Protesters used slogans such as ‘Lobos protegidos, produtores falidos’ (Protected wolves, bankrupt producers) to highlight that payments were often delayed by over a year and failed to cover actual costs, including veterinary medicine and the loss of sheep, calves, and horses. Local officials noted that farmers lacked the financial capacity to install required high-standard fencing without more state support.

In response, the Portuguese government signed a joint decree to accelerate the compensation process. Starting January 1, 2027, new rules will require damage assessments to be completed within 20 business days, with payments issued by the end of the following month. The reform also updates maximum compensation values to better align with market rates and expands coverage to include animal disappearances. While the Union of Livestock Producers Damaged by Wolves (UPGALL) called the decision ‘positive’, they labeled it ‘insufficient’, arguing that the reform does not address the high rate of rejected claims or the transparency of the inspection process.