Stray dogs and cats remain a persistent issue in Madeira, with the problem especially visible among cats. Today, several associations signed a protocol with the Funchal City Council to support the sterilisation of stray animals and assist families with limited financial resources. Sara Machado, from AMAIS – Madeira Animals Association, said the 17 thousand euros allocated by the CMF is extremely important because it helps improve conditions for the animals they treat. She added that without this funding, it would not be possible to carry out as many sterilisations as the association would like. So far this year, the municipality of Funchal, although its action covers the whole island, has sterilised 178 animals. Machado said the situation remains serious across Madeira, as many street animals come from successive generations of abandoned pets. She concluded that controlling the animal population requires continuous, coordinated action across the island, since animals move between municipalities and efforts in only one area are not enough.
