Loulé council is investigating alleged poor work at the municipal kennels which has been the subject of an online petition to have it closed down.
"There have been many complaints about the municipal veterinarian which have come to my attention and I considered that they were worthy of consideration," said the council president Victor Aleixo, adding that his action was based on complaints from animal protection associations.
A municipal deputy had demanded in December 2014 that an investigation be opened and that disciplinary proceedings initiated against the municipal veterinarian, - news to the petitioners who have struggled to have their complaints heard and have been banned for going anywhere near the kennel.
In addition to the direct complaints to the council, there is a public petition online with 1,380 signatures so far and which demands the temporary closure of the municipal kennel in Loulé until all operating conditions are met to protect animal rights.
Among the accusations are that the kennels are functioning as a place to kill animals with cats and dogs that have been rounded up then disappearing without a trace.
The vet Paulo Pina is held responsible by the protestors for the appalling conditions and the inhumane treatment of animals in his care.
