ANIMAL PROTECTION & RIGHTS LAW IN SPAIN

ANIMAL PROTECTION LAW IN SPAIN 

Animal Protection Laws in Spain gets the Green light after months of delays.

After several months of discussions, Spain’s Ley de Protección Animal, approved  by the Spanish Cabinet, has instigated  a new set of animal protection laws and put them into  force.

Commonly  known as the animal rights Law, The new legislation will prohibits the :

• slaughter of abandoned animals - Euthanasia of any healthy dog is prohibited  (ZERO SACRIFICE)
• the sale of pets in pet shops – This is to cut down on impulse buyers which ultimately can lead to the pet being surrendered to a shelter  or re-homing centre            
• abusive practices such as circus and cock fights (which are still legal in Andalucia and The Canary Islands)
• practices that cause suffering to pets  such as electric collars and spikes
• the sale and possession of exotic animals that represent a potential risk to public safety or the environment

The new Animal protection law also limits private pet owners to a maximum of 5 animals per individual. Any more than this and a special permit is required. This starts from the day the new law came in to force on Friday February 18th 2022 and is not retroactive for people that already have more than 5 pets.

Breeding of dogs in Spain

The breeding of dogs is restricted to only certified professionals to crack down on unauthorised pet breeding centres, where bitches give birth without rest until they die of exhaustion.

The purchase of exotic animals

In an effort to encourage the protection of native animals species, Zoo´s in Spain are prohibited to buy exotic animals from other countries, and will instead be supported to re-introduce and conserve indigenous animals.

PETS IN SPAIN BECOME LEGAL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY

An update in the civil code in Spain has completely altered the status of pets.

The new legislation that focuses on animal welfare means that pets in Spain are now considered members of the family. From January 5, 2022, dogs and other pets are no longer  considered as 'objects' but rather as 'sentient beings' in the court of law - meaning they have the capacity to experience feelings and emotions.

This means that from now on, animals will be legitimate members of the family and will have a different status from that of material goods

MAIN CHANGES TO NEW ANIMAL ABUSE  LAW IN SPAIN 

• When a couple divorces, joint custody will be awarded where ever possible. Taking into consideration the needs of the pet.
• If a couple cannot come to a joint agreement regarding their pet, a judge will have the authority to rule on which spouse the pet will live with and what maintenance costs should be paid.
• Spanish courts may deny child custody to animal abusers – animal mistreatment can be used as a tool to control and is a form of psychological abuse that could threaten the well-being of a minor 
• If a lost animal is found, it must be handed over to the owner unless you can prove the animal is being mistreated or neglected. If this is the case it should be reported to the correct authorities  When or if the animal is returned the person who found it is legally entitled to compensation for its care for the time it was with them.
• The modifications in the law does not include animals farm Livestock or recreational farms, as these animals are not deemed companion pets

20 THINGS PET OWNERS ARE PROHIBITED FROM DOING UNDER THE NEW ANIMAL PROTECTION LAW IN SPAIN

• Harm or mistreat or neglect domestic animals
• Animals cannot be used for animal fighting
• Euthanization can only be carried out if deemed needed by a certified vet to prevent further suffering of the animal
• No mutilation of any animal for cosmetic purposes
• Pets should not be used for excess or in appropriate work
• Pets can not be abandoned
• Animals are not permitted to be used as a prize, promotion or reward
• Domestic pets can not be released or left in the natural environment
• The donation or adoption of unidentified animals is not allowed
• Pets are not allowed to be left permanently in spaces like balconies, terraces, basements, patios, vehicles or roof tops
• Animals must never be tied to a moving vehicle
• Pets cannot be unattended for more that 3 days – 24hr for a dog
• Unauthorised breeding of any pet  
• Animals are not to be used for begging
• No trapping of wild birds
• Domestic pets can not be used for animal or human consumption
• The feeding of carcasses, viscera or offal to pets that have not passed the relevant health checks is prohibited.
• Animals must not be used in public shows, tourist or artistic activities or advertising in which they are caused stress or suffering. This extends to circuses and fairgrounds
• Spikes, collars and straps or anything similar that may cause harm or suffering
• It is prohibited to use any device or mechanism that hinders an animals mobility unless prescribed by a vet.

MANDATORY TRAINING FOR DOG OWNERS IN SPAIN

The new animal protection law now states that a dog owner or person responsible for a dog must pass a certified training course. The course will teach prospective dog owners how to properly care for their canine companion in regards to handling and behaviour.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE ENTAIL?

The dog owners’ course will be a short online course and will be completely free of charge. The course is intended to teach people the importance of behaviour such as picking up after their dog on the street.

5 ANIMALS THAT ARE PROHIBITED AS PETS IN SPAIN

The Spanish authorities are cracking down on the kind of animals that can be kept as domestic pets. The main reason behind this, is the worry of non-native species being abandoned in to the wild which could threaten the indigenous plant and animal life in Spain.

The animals that are prohibited as being kept as pets are:

PARROTS

Parrots pose a serious threat to the survival of pigeons and sparrows in Spain, as well as building nests that can weigh up to 200 kilos which is damaging local plant life (Fauna) This problem is having to be contained and controlled by annual culling of the Parrots.

HEDGEHOGS

Hedgehogs are normally known for controlling insects and for that reason they are welcome in gardens in the U.K. However, in Spain the hedgehog poses a serious threat to the native species.

RACOON

Racoons are copious breeders, extremely resistant to bad weather, need little food for survival and are an aggressive animal which is hard to tame. This makes the Racoon a dangerous animal to the Spanish Eco system

VIETNAMESE PIGS

Having a pot bellied pig as a pet in Spain is strictly prohibited due to the risk of them breeding with wild boars, making a new species known as Wild boar or Peroli in Spain This new breed greatly dilutes the native bloodline of the Spanish Boar and due to the huge numbers, destroy the local plant life.

LOVEBIRDS

There are two reasons that Lovebirds are prohibited as pets in Spain. Firstly, it is to protect and conserve the Spanish Flora and Fauna and secondly, this beautiful species of birds are coming close to extinction. This rule has also been put in place to stop the capture of Lovebirds and inter breeding with other species, which would then pose a danger to the gene pool.