No Money, But Love" campaign fights animal exploitation in begging

Combating the "growing phenomenon of using animals for begging" and distinguishing "between animals whose guardians are homeless people who treat them like real family members" and "the diametrically opposite context, practiced by organized groups dedicated to using animals to get handouts", are the objectives of the "No Money, But Love" campaign, explains Pedro Paiva, Lisbon's Municipal Animal Ombudsman.

Throughout the city, in Metro stations, PSP police stations, local shops and on social media, the campaign - in Portuguese and English - warns "not only Lisbon's Portuguese inhabitants and visitors, but also tourists, who increase significantly in August", says Pedro Paiva.

For Ângelo Pereira, CML's Councillor for Animal Protection and Welfare, "taking action against the use of animals for begging is an imperative in Lisbon's daily fight for animal welfare".

The situation "is intolerable", and the City Council will take and support "all the measures that may be necessary to guarantee the respect and dignity of animals in situations of abuse or danger", he adds.

"No Money, But Love" is the third initiative launched this year by the Ombudsman's Office. The previous initiatives have achieved the same objectives: reporting through an "emergency button" system, and rescuing animals exploited for begging and sending them to associations that look after their welfare.