When will the Spanish animal welfare law come into effect?
27.08.2023We give you an overview of the Spanish animal welfare law that entered into force in 2023. We explain in detail what this new law entails and what the novelties are. The law adds some novelties for all pet owners; we invite you to read this article to be informed about all the regulations that will apply with regard to animals, and therefore all pets.
At the end of March of this year, Law 7/2023 on the Protection of the Rights and Welfare of Animals was published in the Official Gazette, the so-called New Animal Welfare Act. On March 16, the rule governing the protection of the rights and welfare of animals was approved in the Congress of Deputies without finally including hunting dogs in the text.
What is the new Spanish animal welfare law?
The Spanish Animal Welfare Law is a new law intended to regulate and control the possession and treatment of animals throughout the Spanish territory. The purpose, as stated in the official document of the Official Gazette, is to protect and guarantee the well-being of the animals living in Spain.
Many of the recommendations and prohibitions have been questioned, such as the veto on displaying cats and dogs in store windows, as well as the banned pets list or the "to have a pet" course, which owners must take and pass to prove that they are fit to have a pet in their homes.
When was the Spanish animal welfare law adopted?
On March 16 of this year 2023, this new law was approved in the Congress of the Deputies, which regulates the protection of the rights and welfare of animals.
When does the Animal Welfare Act come into effect?
On Wednesday, March 29, the Staatsblad published the animal welfare law and therefore the effective date of the law. The Animal Welfare Act will enter into force on September 29, 6 months after its publication. In the meantime, it is advisable to know all the details of the law and be aware of the obligations in order to avoid the penalties that arise from not complying with it.
The 10 main points of the new Spanish animal welfare law
Although the law is still subject to change, there are already 10 important points you should know:
1. Prohibition on leaving a pet alone for more than 3 days, 1 day in the case of dogs
The law prohibits leaving our pet or companion animal alone for more than 3 days or 72 hours. This period is reduced to 24 hours for dogs, which must be accompanied before then.
In addition, it is also forbidden to regularly keep our pet on terraces, balconies, roof terraces, storage rooms, cellars, courtyards and the like or vehicles.
2. The sale of dogs, cats and ferrets may only be made by authorized breeders, without the involvement of intermediaries
In this way, the sale of these pets is regulated, and only the breeders who have the relevant permits are allowed to carry them out. The participation of intermediaries in the process is prohibited, as is the sale by private persons.
3. Potentially Dangerous Breed (PPP) classification will be maintained
One of the last-minute changes was the amendment to the Animal Welfare Act project regarding the PPP Act, which would be replaced by sociability testing and the renaming of the dog for special use.
In other words, the Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu breeds remain potentially dangerous breeds with all the obligations this entails for their owners: administrative license, short leash, muzzle, not being able to run loose in areas suitable for other dogs. As well as purchasing PPP dog insurance specifically designed to protect these breeds.
In any case, all is not yet said, as the General Directorate of Animal Rights continues to wager on the idea of repealing the PPP Act and introducing a sociability test for dogs classified as potentially dangerous, as well as large dogs.
4. The killing of animals for economic reasons is strictly prohibited
In this way, killing our pets can only be done for health or medical reasons, never for a financial or economic reason.
5. Mandatory sterilization of all cats from six months old
All cats should be spayed from the sixth month of life, regardless of the cat's breed, sex or situation.
6. Mandatory microchip identification of cats and ferrets, just like dogs
In this way there will be more control over cats and ferrets, as is currently happening with dogs. The goal is to reduce abandonment and control multiple aspects related to these pets.
7. Mandatory training for responsible dog ownership, the content of which has yet to be defined
All people who want to have a dog as a pet must prove that they have completed a mandatory course in keeping a dog that will be valid indefinitely. The aim is to educate the citizen in the proper care and care of his dog. This training will be mandatory for both new owners and those who already live in the home with their dog.
8. Taking out and maintaining liability insurance for dogs
While it was already mandatory to have dog liability insurance throughout the Madrid region, the Animal Welfare Law stipulates that it will be mandatory for all dogs in Spain to have third party liability insurance, with the aim of insuring any damage they may cause . At Segurantis we offer this compulsory insurance for your pet. For a quote do not hesitate to contact us.
9. Future establishment of a list of pets that can be kept at home
Within 24 months of the entry into force of the law, the regulation will be adopted that develops an open and national list that will indicate to citizens the types of animals that can be kept at home by the Spaniards, as well as those species that, although they have been pets in the past , cannot be held after the entry into force of the new law.
10. Dogs engaged in specific work, such as hunting, herding or security services, are not covered by this new law
As specified in the Official Gazette, dogs with specific activities such as hunting, herding or security are outside this new law, so they do not have to comply with everything stipulated in it.