The Portuguese Order of Veterinarians (Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários, OMV) has issued guidance stating that veterinary professionals cannot treat humans under any circumstances, including individuals who identify as animals. The clarification is part of internal professional guidance designed to support clinics when faced with unusual or unclear requests, rather than a change in legislation or regulatory expansion.

The OMV reaffirmed that veterinary medicine in Portugal is legally limited to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in non-human animals. Human healthcare remains exclusively within the remit of medical doctors and other licensed health professionals. The guidance was issued following discussion of “therian” identity in online spaces, although there are no reported incidents in Portugal involving veterinary clinics being approached by individuals identifying as therians.

What a “therian” is and how the term is used

A therian is a person who identifies, in a personal or psychological sense, as a non-human animal. The term originates from “therianthropy”, a concept used in online communities to describe individuals who experience a strong internal identification with an animal species or perceive aspects of their identity as animal-like in nature. It is generally understood as a self-described identity rather than a medical condition or psychiatric diagnosis.

The OMV referenced the term only to clarify the limits of veterinary practice. Veterinary professionals are trained and legally authorised to treat animals only, and cannot assess or treat human patients under any circumstances. Any health concerns involving humans must be directed to medical or psychological services.

Portuguese media reports indicate that the guidance was issued as a preventive measure, rather than in response to confirmed incidents in clinical practice.

No confirmed cases in Portugal or verified international clinical records

There are no verified reports in Portugal of veterinarians being asked to treat individuals identifying as therians. The OMV has not cited any specific incidents, and the guidance appears to have been issued to avoid misunderstanding in clinical environments.

There are also no confirmed cases recorded in official veterinary or medical documentation internationally of individuals identifying as therians presenting to veterinary clinics for treatment as animals. However, there are viral videos and social media posts circulating online that appear to show individuals attending veterinary clinics or attempting to be seen in that context.

In these recordings, veterinarians typically explain that their services are restricted to animals and that they cannot provide treatment to humans. These videos are shared widely across social media platforms, but they are not supported by regulatory findings, clinical case reports or verified institutional records. They are generally regarded as isolated anecdotal situations that gained visibility online rather than evidence of a documented trend in veterinary practice.

Online identity terminology entering professional guidance

The inclusion of “therian” terminology in veterinary guidance reflects the way online identity language has become more visible in public discourse. These identity labels are primarily used within online communities and forums, where individuals describe personal experiences or affiliations linked to non-human animals.

Professional bodies in healthcare and related fields sometimes address such terminology when it intersects with regulated services. In this case, the veterinary authority’s statement is focused on ensuring that practitioners clearly understand the boundaries of their professional responsibilities rather than responding to established clinical cases.

Legal separation between veterinary and human healthcare

The OMV reiterated that veterinary medicine is defined in law as the treatment of animals. Human healthcare is regulated separately and delivered only by qualified medical and mental health professionals.

The guidance stresses that personal identity does not alter this distinction. Even if an individual identifies as a non-human animal, veterinary professionals remain unable to provide treatment or clinical assessment.

Clarification of professional responsibilities

The purpose of the guidance is to ensure consistent responses across veterinary practice in Portugal when faced with unfamiliar or unusual requests. It is intended to remove ambiguity rather than introduce new rules or sanctions.

The OMV has not suggested that therian identity represents a medical issue within veterinary practice. Instead, it has focused on reaffirming established legal limits so that veterinary professionals can respond clearly and appropriately in all clinical settings.

Travel times between Spain and Portugal stand to improve dramatically with this new infrastructure project. Drivers will gain faster connections across the border region.

Shorter routes link Madrid directly to Lisbon

A new international crossing over the River Sever will join Cedillo in Caceres province with Montalvão near Nisa. Drivers will see reductions of 85 to 100 kilometres on journeys between the two capitals. This 160-metre structure creates a straighter path that avoids lengthy detours through dangerous winding roads.

Investment focuses on sustainable construction

The governments of Spain and Portugal have committed more than €24 million to building twin arches that fit carefully within the protected landscape of the Tajo Internacional Natural Park. Engineers have designed the crossing without riverbed supports to safeguard local wildlife. Extra provisions include dedicated areas for walkers and cyclists to encourage greener travel options.

Border areas gain fresh connectivity

Residents in Cedillo have put up with long detours for everyday crossings into Portugal for far too long. Many trips that appear short on maps previously required over an hour of extra driving. This link transforms the frontier from an obstacle into a smooth passage between neighbouring regions long divided by geography and poor transport links.

Local people view the development as a major step forward after decades of limited access. Commuters and tourists will enjoy quicker, more comfortable routes across the border.

Logistics and trade receive efficiency gains

Freight movements between both countries will also benefit from lower delivery times and reduced operational expenses. Agro-industrial businesses and distributors operating on either side of the frontier can achieve better competitiveness through these changes. Rural zones in the area may attract fresh investment in tourism and small enterprises as access improves.

Joint efforts strengthen Spain-Portugal relations

Planners have integrated this crossing into wider cooperation between Spanish and Portuguese governments. Additional initiatives cover further bridges on rivers such as the Guadiana and Miño plus upgrades to secondary roads. Such measures aim to increase cross-border flows and support closer economic and cultural connections between Madrid and Lisbon as key centres in southwest Europe.

Nature enthusiasts will find easier access to hiking trails and birdwatching spots around the Tajo International area. The project improves opportunities to explore shared protected landscapes without compromising their value.

2028 completion target opens new chapter

Construction proceeds towards a 2028 opening while meeting strict environmental rules. Communities continue with current routes in the meantime but now anticipate an end to their relative isolation.

Portugal’s government is considering a voluntary civic-military programme that would offer young participants a cash payment and access to a free driving licence as part of a plan to improve recruitment into the armed forces.

The proposal has been put forward by the governing PSD and CDS-PP coalition and is still under discussion in parliament. It has not yet been approved as law. The scheme, referred to in reports as “Defender Portugal” (Defend Portugal), would be aimed at people aged between 18 and 23. Participation would be voluntary.

Training structure and duration

The programme would last between three and six weeks. It would combine civic instruction with basic military training in a supervised environment. Participants would take part in physical preparation, discipline-based activities and sessions focused on civic responsibility. The training would take place in facilities linked to the armed forces.

At the end of the programme, participants would receive a one-off payment of €439.21.

Driving licence and additional benefits

The proposal includes access to a free driving licence. This would be provided through military or state-approved training centres. The scheme also outlines possible advantages for participants when applying for roles in the armed forces and certain public sector positions, including security services.

These advantages would not guarantee employment but could be taken into account during selection processes.

Political position and current status

The initiative has been presented as a way to increase interest in military service among younger age groups. It is intended to address recruitment difficulties in Portugal’s armed forces, which rely entirely on voluntary enlistment following the end of conscription in 2004.

Government representatives have described the programme as optional and temporary in nature. It remains at the proposal stage and requires further parliamentary approval before any implementation. No start date has been confirmed.

Debate within Portugal

The proposal has prompted discussion in parliament over its design and incentives. Supporters argue that the payment and driving licence could encourage participation and provide practical benefits for young people, particularly those in education or early employment.

Opposition figures have questioned the use of financial incentives in connection with military-linked training and have called for further scrutiny of how the scheme would be funded and administered.

What it could mean for young people in Portugal

If introduced, the programme would provide participants with short-term structured training and a financial payment of €439.21. The inclusion of a free driving licence would remove one of the more expensive early costs faced by young adults in Portugal.

Participants would also gain exposure to military environments and basic training, which could be relevant for those considering careers in the armed forces or public services. However, participation would not create an obligation to join the military after completion of the programme.

Wider implications for recruitment

Portugal ended compulsory military service in 2004, moving to a fully voluntary system. Since then, the armed forces have relied on recruitment campaigns and voluntary enlistment to maintain staffing levels.

The proposed programme is designed as a short-term entry route for younger age groups, but its final structure will depend on parliamentary approval and any amendments made during the legislative process.