In a somewhat hopeful yet concerning trend, animal abandonment remains a persistent issue. In 2021, Official Collection Centers (CRO) recorded 43,603 stray animals, with the numbers

slightly decreasing to 41,994 animals in 2022, as reported by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF).

While 2022 saw a decrease overall, it's important to note that this figure still represents more than 10,000 animals compared to 2020. Notably, some regional cases diverge from the national trend, with areas like Lisbon and Torres Vedras experiencing an increase.

When Lusa analyzed data from ten random cities, it revealed that two cities witnessed a rise in animals collected from 2021 to 2022. In Torres Vedras, the number increased from 672 to 877, and Lisbon saw a rise from 945 to 1,166 animals, according to ICNF data.

However, the majority of cities experienced a decrease in the number of animals collected. For instance, Sintra had just one less animal collected in 2022 compared to 2020, with a total of 886. Santo Tirso, on the other hand, saw a decline from 1,505 animals collected to 947.

While national statistics indicate a 3.9% reduction between 2021 and 2022, it's important to recognize local variations, such as the upward trend in animal rescues observed in Lisbon. Speaking to Lusa, Sofia Baptista, responsible for Casa dos Animais de Lisboa (CAL), noted a significant increase in requests for animal assistance since last year. These requests often come from families facing eviction or economic hardships, further highlighting the importance of addressing animal welfare and abandonment issues in the community. Photo by Agência Brasília, Wikimedia commons.