Albano Martins leaves Macau after decades of contribution to society

Local economist and animal rights activist, Albano Martins, is leaving Macau for good today, after over 40 years of residency in the SAR.

Continuing with his advocacy of animal rights protection, Martins is set to establish a global animal shelter catering to strayed animals on his property in Alentejo, Portugal, which he leased for free to the project. 

Martins has long fought for the closure of the Canidrome, which housed greyhounds that are used for betting. 

Martins’ role in unearthing the treatment of the greyhounds over the last few years has associated Anima with the Canidrome closure controversy.

The organization came to prominence in the international animal welfare community after years of protesting what it said was routine animal cruelty at the dog-
racing facility. Its role in organizing international demonstrations, blocking the importation of new dogs and encouraging airlines to boycott their transportation, placed it firmly at the heart of the anti-Canidrome coalition.

Martins has been an economic adviser and consultant and was responsible for several feasibility studies for banking reports. He was also a training adviser responsible for the establishment of the 1999 training program for the Macao Monetary Authority. He was also a financial manager of the Nam Van Development Company, aside from several other hats he wore while in the region.