Portugal moves to stop pets being left behind in wildfires and floods

Portugal has introduced new legislation to ensure that animals are considered in emergency planning for wildfires, floods, and other disasters. From August 8, animals are now included in Portugal's civil protection system, obliging emergency planning to account for their search, rescue, evacuation, accommodation, and care during disasters. This move puts Portugal ahead of Spain, where animal-protection measures are already required in civil protection plans.

The new Law No. 38/2026, published on August 3 and effective from August 8, changes the country's Civil Protection Framework Law and makes animal rescue a responsibility of civil protection authorities, alongside protecting people and property. This development is crucial, as it moves animal rescue beyond being primarily dealt with by individual owners or animal charities and incorporates animals into the planning for disaster situations.

Municipal authorities will have to consider these factors in their emergency planning, which could be vital during fast-moving disasters when residents may have only minutes to leave their homes. The Portuguese Veterinary Medical Association supports the inclusion of animals in civil protection, emphasizing the importance of preparing for their rescue and evacuation.

Spain, on the other hand, already has a legal framework for animal protection during emergencies, as mandated by its Animal Welfare Law, Ley 7/2023. However, Spain's system is more fragmented, with responsibilities varying based on the type of emergency and location. While Spain has faced situations where animals were caught in major disasters, such as the DANA floods in Valencia, the country has yet to develop a nationwide operational system comparable to Portugal's new approach.

The distinction between Portugal's and Spain's approaches is significant, as it answers the crucial question of who is legally responsible for evacuating and caring for animals during emergencies. Portugal has taken a clear step towards providing reassurance to pet owners, farmers, and animal charities that their animals are legally protected and that there is an organized system ready to respond. Spain, while having the legal foundation, still needs to evolve its system into a practical response when emergencies occur.