What is the legal status of cockfighting in Portugal?
Cockfighting is a controversial and widely debated sport worldwide. In Portugal, cockfighting is illegal under the Decree-Law No. 315/95, which was enacted on November 28, 1995. The law prohibits the organization, participation, and promotion of cockfights, considering them a form of animal cruelty and abuse.
Overview of cockfighting in Portugal: Is it legal or not?
Despite being illegal, cockfighting continues to be practiced clandestinely in certain regions of Portugal, particularly in the northern and central parts of the country. However, due to the penalties and enforcement measures, the sport has significantly decreased in recent years.
What is the term used for cockfighting in Portugal?
In Portugal, cockfighting is commonly referred to as rinha de galos or tourada de galos. The term rinha is derived from the Spanish word riña, which means fight or quarrel, while galo refers to a rooster.
What are the penalties and enforcement measures for cockfighting in Portugal?
According to Decree-Law No. 315/95, individuals found guilty of organizing, participating in, or promoting cockfights can face the following penalties:
- Fines ranging from 100 to 5,000 Euros for individuals
- Fines ranging from 1,000 to 50,000 Euros for legal entities (e.g., companies, organizations)
- Seizure and confiscation of any equipment and animals used in cockfighting
- Possible temporary or permanent closure of establishments where cockfights take place
Law enforcement agencies, such as the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) and the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP), are responsible for enforcing these penalties and cracking down on illegal cockfighting activities.
How do government laws and resources address cockfighting in Portugal?
The Portuguese government has implemented various laws and resources to address the issue of cockfighting:
| Law/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Decree-Law No. 315/95 | Prohibits cockfighting, establishing penalties for those involved in the organization, participation, or promotion of the activity. |
| Animal Protection Law (Law No. 69/2014) | Considers animals as sentient beings and establishes their legal protection, including protection from cruel treatment, such as cockfighting. |
| Law No. 110/2015 | Amends the Penal Code to include animal cruelty as a criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment or fines. |
| Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) | Law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing animal protection laws and combating illegal cockfighting activities. |
| Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) | Another law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing animal protection laws and combating illegal cockfighting activities. |
Through these laws and resources, the Portuguese government aims to eradicate illegal cockfighting activities and protect the welfare of animals.