This Friday, the new Animal Welfare Law came into force, a legal text that was approved in Congress and published in the BOE in March. However, the lack of its own regulations, since the Government was in office in July, leaves its application at half speed.
Among the points of the new law that have had their application postponed is the obligation to take out insurance for all breeds of dogs and the completion of a training course for new owners of this type of pet.
However, other points of the new law can be implemented, such as the prohibition of any type of abandonment and abuse, aggression or negligence. In addition, any situation that causes animals to suffer, physical or psychological damage, or even their death. It is also prohibited to leave animals loose, especially in National Parks, ravines or other protected natural spaces where they can cause damage.
Likewise, it is prohibited to use animals in public shows, in artistic tourist or advertising activities, that cause them anguish, pain or suffering, although bullfighting shows are excluded.
Their use in attractions or fairground carousels and in circuses is eliminated “in any case.” Owners of circuses with animals will have a six-month window to comply with the standard.
Zoos with dolphinariums will also have a transitional period during which they can keep their current cetaceans on site until they die.
According to Europa Press, from this Friday pets will be able to access means of transport, establishments and public spaces, in public and private establishments, hotel accommodations, restaurants and bars.
Likewise, they will access public buildings and facilities and shelters, refuges, and care centers intended to care for people at risk of social exclusion, homeless people or victims of gender violence.
It should be noted that the application of this point of the new Animal Welfare Law may also have certain conflicts with other regional legislation. In addition, the decision of the establishment or center to allow pets access to it or not will always prevail.
With the entry into force this Friday of the animal welfare law, the Police will be able to fine up to 10,000 euros to those who leave their dogs at the door of a supermarket or any other establishment and it is prohibited, among other things, to use electric collars.
Leaving an animal inside a vehicle or in thermal conditions that could threaten its life will also be subject to sanctions, as well as keeping it permanently on a terrace, basement or balcony, the National Police has reported.
Dogs may not spend more than 24 hours alone in a home even if they have sufficient food and water and in the case of other pets this period may increase to three days.
The new regulations, remind the Police, include the obligation to report to the authorities the disappearance of a pet animal or a wild one in captivity within a maximum period of 48 hours.
The law sets penalties ranging from 50 to 200,000 euros, depending on the seriousness of the infraction.
Meanwhile, leaving a dog at the door of any establishment can result in a fine of up to 10,000 euros and in cases of animal abuse the fines rise up to 200,000 euros.
The Animal Welfare Law includes different legal content, lists and measures that must be developed in the coming months. Below are the estimated deadlines that will also depend on the formation of the new Government of Spain:
