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Date Published: 25/08/2023

10 key changes to the Animal Protection Law in Spain from September

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From next month, new regulations which govern the relationship between people and their pets will come into force across Spain

September 29 will be an important day for animal lovers as this is the date when Spain’s long-awaited Animal Welfare Law comes into force, impacting not only professionals but everyday pet owners too. The regulations have several practical implications for people with pets, including the need to buy mandatory insurance for dogs and the requirement to register certain species.

Here are the 10 most important changes to the Animal Welfare Law:

1. Sterilisation

From September 29, it will be compulsory to spay or neuter all cats and dogs that have access to the outdoors. This law applies to pets who go in the garden or fenced-in pens, as well as to those living in remote countryside areas.

2. Pet database

One of the most controversial points is that all pet owners will have to register their animals on a central database. The idea is that pets can be quickly returned home if they are lost and that anyone who abandons an animal can be brought to justice. Owners who fail to register their pets will face a fine and the animals could even be taken off them.

3. Home alone

The new law stipulates that pets can’t be left alone for more than three days and anything longer than 72 hours will be considered abandonment.

4. Pet shops

There will be an outright ban on selling dogs, cats and ferrets in pet stores throughout Spain, although these establishments will be given 12 months to comply with the legislation.

5. Breeding

From September, so-called backyard breeding will be banned and breeding animals of any species will be limited to registered professionals.

6. Euthanasia

Animals will no longer be allowed to be euthanised unless there is clear medical evidence showing that this is the only option. For example, owners won’t be able to put down a dog because of behavioural problems and shelters are prohibited from euthanising animals if they are overcrowded.

7. Vaccinations

All domestic animals will have to be properly vaccinated from September, both to ensure the health of the animal and to reduce risk for people who come into contact with it.

8. Dangerous breeds

To the relief of many dog owners, the dangerous breeds list will be scrapped altogether next month. Instead, a new control will be established based on a sociability evaluation of larger animals.

9. Training courses

New and existing dog owners will soon have to take a training course that deals with proper pet care. This course is free, quite short and can be taken online. Only those who have hunting, guard or working dogs are excluded.

10. Insurance

Dog owners will now be expected to take out a civil liability insurance policy for their animal that covers third parties in the case of damages. The cost of this insurance varies depending on the policy but prices generally start at around 24 euros per year for the basic package.

Sanctions

The Animal Welfare Law plans to get tougher on people who harm or mistreat their pets, so a new series of sanctions has been developed that divides rule breakers into three groups.

Minor offences will carry a fine of between 500 and 10,000 euros while more serious infractions will cost between 10,001 and 50,000 euros. The most serious crimes will be penalised with fines of 50,001 to 200,000 euros.

A repeat offender whose actions result in injury or death of an animal will face a prison sentence and a ban from owning or working with animals.

Now read: 5 pets that will be banned in Spain from September

Image: Freepik

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