GNR’s bold, handsomely presented website assures readers that “the SOS Environment and Territory hotline of the Nature and Environment Protection Service (SEPNA) of the National Republican Guard, available 24 hours a day through the number 808 200 520, allows any citizen to report situations that violate environmental legislation and obtain advice on matters related to nature the environment, forests, pets…”
The chart proudly claims the percentages of their call-outs and proclaims: “Most of the contacts were related to issues related to companion animals…”
APAA’s president Jenny Clarke has no firm issues with the hard-working GNR. “There have been a few occasions where their helpline has not been ‘helpful’, to put it bluntly.
“Zélia Santos had an emergency call after a dog had been badly injured after a hit-and-run.” Jenny’s face shows traces of frustration. “On arrival at the site, I found the dog’s face was very badly smashed. Understandably, the dog wasn’t in any mood to be moved or interfered with. Injured animals are unable to commute their pain or distress to a human and are often in deep shock. Animals in this sort of situation need to be dealt with quickly and effectively.” Vets? “Sometimes we are lucky, but you cannot drag a stressed animal without sedation to a vet for treatment.” Exactly.
“The public have also tried the GNR – perhaps we are going along the wrong route.” The website does continue. “In addition to the aforementioned telephone line, the GNR has developed, in parallel, an online service with the same purpose as the line, in https://www.gnr.pt/ambiente.aspx or through the sepna@gnr.pt email address, through which citizens can also report situations that violate environmental legislation.”
And “through SEPNA, the GNR is the environmental police competent to monitor, supervise, report and investigate violations of legislation that aims to protect nature, the environment and natural heritage throughout the country, also integrating several national and international co-operation forums on these issues.”
Good. Now we know. The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve’s motto is ‘Here to Help’. Understandably, they are concerned.
Things to do
- Pop-Up shop at O Tasco, Senhora do Verde. Monday, March 18, 12pm-3pm. Friendly menu available. Book direct 282 471769.
- APAA’s AGA, Tuesday, March 19, at Recanto dos Mouros, Silves. All welcome for lunch 12.30(ish). Raffle and mini ‘Pop-Up’ table. (Members only for AGA meeting at 11.30am).
- Convento’bio Lagoa, Friday, April 5, 11am-4pm. Restaurant for all tastes. All Pop-Ups have premium-quality, household goodies.
- Can’t get to a Pop-Up? Visit APAA’s charity shops in Alvor and Silves. Both full of goodies, duvets, rugs, larger household items. Something special? Pop in, friendly staff to meet and greet. Not forgetting Jenny’s jams, preserves, marmalades and Jackie’s scrummy cookies,
APAA: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com or info.apaaportugal@gmailcom
Cat Colonies: zelia.santos@live.co.uk
By APAA
