SEPNA
Published 8 November 2026, 21:11
Serviço de Proteção da Natureza e do Ambiente (nature and environment protection service)
A unit of the GNR gendarmerie that deals with nature, animals, forests, water and waste. This is where you report abandoned and mistreated animals, rubbish dumped in a field, trees being felled and discharges into rivers. You can make a report at any GNR post or through its website. For farm animals, SEPNA works with the veterinary authority DGAV, and cases are more often pursued as administrative offences than as crimes.
Where you come across it. A complaint about animal cruelty, fly-tipping, tree felling or pollution — any offence that concerns nature.
Animal cruelty as a criminal offence applies only to companion animals: a farm donkey or goat is not covered. And don't expect a patrol to rush out — photos, the exact location and a written report help.