How to report an abandoned animal

Abandoning a pet is a crime in Portugal. Learn whom to call and what to record so the report holds up.

What to do, step by step

1. 1Keep yourself and the animal safe: do not approach it if it is scared or aggressive; move it away from traffic only if that can be done safely.
2. 2Record everything: photos and videos with the date, exact place (street, landmark or coordinates), number plate or description of whoever left it, if you saw it.
3. 3Call the SOS Environment line (SEPNA/GNR) or your local PSP station and describe what you saw; you can also file an electronic complaint.
4. 4Contact the municipality (veterinary service / shelter) for collection and a microchip check: a registered animal identifies its owner.
5. 5If the animal is hurt or at risk, see a vet first; keep the invoices, they count as evidence.
6. 6If you can, post the animal in the Lost and found section of patuco: it may have run away rather than been abandoned.

Useful contacts

• SEPNA / GNR — Linha SOS Ambiente e Território

  Reports of mistreatment, abandonment and environmental crimes, 24 hours.

  808 200 520
  Call Open
• PSP — Polícia de Segurança Pública

  Your local station (in cities the PSP takes the complaints).
  Open
• Queixa Eletrónica (MAI)

  File a complaint online with the GNR or PSP, with photos and videos.
  Open
• Câmara Municipal / Centro de Recolha Oficial (CRO)

  Municipal veterinary service of your municipality: stray animals, removal of dead animals from public roads.

• How to report animal mistreatmentAnimals chained without water, beaten, sick without care or kept in degrading conditions:...
• Stray animals, carcasses on the road and public-health risksPacks of dogs, sick cats in a colony, a dead animal on the road or a bite: each case has i...
• How to report environmental crimesDischarges into rivers, dumped waste and rubble, poisons for animals, illegal hunting or b...

General information, with no legal or veterinary value. In an emergency call 112 or a vet right away; always confirm procedures with the official bodies.