Ethical Stray Dog Management Supports Wolf Conservation in Portugal

Stray dogs, whether abandoned or uncontrolled, are a serious problem for biodiversity and public safety, as they can attack people and animals, including livestock and the wolf's natural prey such as roe deer, and also pose a risk of transmitting diseases or interbreeding with wolves, resulting in fertile hybrids that threaten the genetic integrity of the species. In addition, stray dogs can also be an occasional source of food for wolves, thus constituting a factor that may attracts this large carnivore to urban areas.

In order to prevent the proliferation of stray and wandering dogs in rural areas with wolf presence, and to contribute for their appropriate and ethical management, within the scope of the LIFE WILD WOLF Project, a protocol was signed between the Municipality of Paredes de Coura and two local animal welfare associations (ACOD and ADAC), in order to guarantee the sterilization of stray dogs rescued in rural areas and encourage the responsible adoption of these animals.

Captured dogs are assisted by veterinarians responsible for their sterilization, insertion of an electronic identification device (microchip) and registration in the Pet Information System (SIAC), remaining under the responsibility of the associations until they are taken for adoption or foster families.

Between 2023 and 2024, within the area of Paredes de Coura municipality a total of 93 stray dogs were captured, sterilized and identified with microchips, many of which were put up for adoption. Most of these dogs were captured in the parishes included in the Corno do Bico Protected Landscape, a Natura 2000 site where a breeding pack of Iberian wolves occurs. This action represents a significant step in reducing a major threat to wolf conservation in a region with ​​high environmental value.

For more information:  lifewildwolfportugal@gmail.com