NEW ANIMAL WELFARE LAW IN SPAIN
If you are the owner of a pet, you should know that soon it will be illegal to leave it alone for more than 3 days or 72 hours. This period is shortened to 24 hours for dogs. One of the most talked-about aspects of the new Spanish animal welfare law is that both new owners and those who already own dogs will have to prove that they have completed a compulsory training course.
In the case of dogs, the law stipulates that all owners must have civil liability insurance. In addition, it will be mandatory to avoid all uncontrolled reproduction. All cats over six months must be sterilised.
Further controversy has been generated by the country-wide list of pets that will be banned from being kept in homes. To date, this list has not been confirmed. Within maximum period of twenty-four months from September 29, 2023 this new law will take effect and the government will approve the regulations that detail the list of wild animals that can be kept as pets.
Although that list is not yet known, the following are likely to be included:
- Rodents: Such as mice, chinchillas or guinea pigs.
- Turtles: Since several studies confirm that a wide variety of pathogens that these reptiles carry can be dangerous for other species.
- Spiders and snakes.
- Rabbits.
- Birds like parakeets or parrots because they are not native to Spain.
The new Spanish animal welfare law enters into force on 29 September 2023. For information relating to these and other measures included in the law, we recommend that you get in contact with your vet who will be able to advise you accordingly.
