In a statement, PAN spokesperson Inês de Sousa Real maintains that this proposal aims to “fill a legislative gap” and “harmonise the treatment of vehicles that circulate in emergency situations with animals with those that already exist for human rescue”, ensuring “a fairer and more humanitarian approach to the protection of animal life”.

“In view of the advances in the recognition of animal rights, the road transport of animals at risk or in critical condition, such as injured animals or victims of accident, is still not included in the legal exceptions that allow emergency transport. This legislative gap can result in delays in the transport of animals to veterinary units or even compromise their survival,” they add.

The PAN party intends to allow the emergency use of animal ambulance vehicles and vehicles from entities or organisations authorised and certified for the transportation of animals in emergency or rescue situations.

The Portuguese Traffic Code provides that drivers of vehicles traveling on police missions, providing assistance, prison security or emergency services of public interest, properly signalling their movement, may, when their mission requires it, fail to observe traffic rules and signs, but must respect the orders of traffic regulatory agents.

In addition to this article of the Traffic Code, the PAN bill adds the possibility of emergency assistance to drivers of vehicles traveling to "provide animal assistance".