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Date Published: 04/10/2023

Pets must now be allowed in bars, restaurants, hotels and public transport in Spain

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Under the new Animal Welfare Law, owners can be fined 10,000 euros for leaving a dog outside a supermarket in Spain

Pets must now be allowed in bars, restaurants, hotels and public transport in Spain

The Animal Welfare Law came into force last Friday and with it, new rights and obligations to be fulfilled by pet owners. One of the regulations dog owners are most excited about relates to their access to public spaces, including bars, hotels, shops and transportation, which must now all them to enter.

Places where pets can enter according to the Law

Under the regulations, pets are classified as “sentient beings” and as such, they must now be facilitated in most public places once “they do not constitute a risk to people or other animals”.

According to the Animal Welfare Law, these are the public places which are obligated to permit pets:

Public and private transport including trains and airlines
Public and private establishments
Hotels
Restaurants and bars
Buildings and public facilities (unless expressly prohibited)
Hostels, refuges, care centres and establishments intended to serve people at risk of social exclusion

Under the legislations, City Councils will also have to promote access to beaches and parks for pets, particularly dogs, but municipalities will be entitled to cordon off certain areas specifically for canines.

This article of the legislation is expected to hit a few sticking points, since it could well conflict with regional regulations in some areas. Furthermore, in the case of private establishments, the decision of the owner of the premises on whether or not to permit pets will always prevail.

Fine for leaving dogs outside supermarkets

Since dogs who are on a leash and tightly controlled by their owners are now allowed inside shops, the Animal Welfare Law has established a fine of up to 10,000 euros for people who leave their pets tied up outside a supermarket unsupervised.

Leaving an animal inside a vehicle or in heat conditions that could endanger its life will also be subject to sanctions, as will keeping pets permanently on a terrace, basement or balcony.

Animal rights lawyer Eloi Sarrió explained, “The income from the penalties, according to the law, will be used for actions aimed at the protection of animals, that is, the income obtained from these concepts cannot be used for other purposes.”

Now read: Number of pets in the home limited by new Animal Welfare Law in Spain

Image: Guardia Civil

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