Councils pedal back on animal adoptions before Christmas

Several Portuguese municipalities have decided to suspend or reinforce precautions in animal adoption processes during the Christmas season. The main aim is to avoid impulsive decisions that could result in the animals later being abandoned. Among councils that have temporarily suspended adoptions are Braga, Porto, Viana do Castelo, Famalicão, Tomar, Sobral de Monte Agraço, São João da Madeira and Alpiarça. The measure aims to alert people to the lifelong commitment associated with adopting animals, explain reports.