The Regional Directorate for Agriculture stressed today the importance of involving several departments of the Regional Government and establishing partnerships with various entities for the development of "Alice Moderno" Project. The government official spoke at the launch of a regional awareness-raising campaign against the abandonment and mistreatment of pets.

"We cannot remain indifferent and this is the message we want to pass on to you. We do not mistreat and abandon, and we will not remain indifferent to these situations. We report them and help," said Fernando Sousa at the presentation of the campaign, also presented in sign language, which took place at Arrifes Basic Education School on São Miguel.

In this context, Fernando Sousa stressed that the Government of the Azores decided to create the "Alice Moderno" Project, noting that Alice Moderno founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on São Miguel in 1911.

"She bequeathed her property to various charitable causes, such as the animal hospital, named after her, designed to care for mistreated animals," said the Regional Director. On the occasion, he announced that the Wild Birds Recovery Centre will be installed in the hospital premises, as a result of a partnership between the Regional Directorates for Agriculture and the Environment.

Fernando Sousa spoke on behalf of the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment. As he mentioned, "this project - embodying the spirit of Alice Moderno - aims to contribute to a society that pays close attention to animal welfare by raising the awareness of the population and informing how each one of us can do so with a simple gesture."

Addressing to the students of Arrifes Basic Education School, Fernando Sousa emphasised the importance of joining "efforts" and the role that each youngster can play in "raising awareness for animal protection," whether in the promotion of animal health or in public health protection. The presentation session was jointly organised with the Portuguese Veterinary Association, the Association of Municipalities of the Azores and the National Association of Villages.

In addition to the campaign to be promoted on all islands of the archipelago by placing outdoors on the streets and distributing posters and information leaflets at schools and RIAC offices, the Government will soon launch, under this project, the "Alice Moderno Voucher" in partnership with the Regional Office of the Portuguese Veterinary Association.

"This measure will support families who, despite loving their pets and wishing to take good care of them, are struggling to do so," said the Regional Director.
The presentation held today featured dogs rescued by Animais de Rua Association. The students of Arrifes Basic Education School received sweaters and campaign leaflets.