The article details the work of IRA (Intervention and Rescue Core for Animals), an organization founded in 2016 by Tomás Pires after rescuing a severely neglected dog named Kira. Since then, IRA has grown to over 60 employees and volunteers with branches in Lisbon, Porto, and the Azores, soon expanding to the Algarve. They receive dozens of daily complaints about animal neglect and abuse, providing medical care and shelter while collaborating with authorities to investigate and prosecute cases. Their interventions span across Portugal and extend internationally to disaster and conflict zones, including recent efforts in Ukraine.

IRA emphasizes that adopting rescued animals requires more than willingness; prospective adopters must demonstrate financial stability, appropriate housing, and lifestyle compatibility to ensure proper care. Volunteers undergo a rigorous recruitment and training process akin to military standards to prepare for demanding rescue scenarios. Additionally, IRA plans to launch a political party named Protege to advocate for animal welfare and support vulnerable people who care for animals, aiming to fill a perceived gap in political representation for these causes.