Fines of the Animal Protection Act: 10,000 euros for leaving a dog alone at home for more than 24 hours

Fines and prison sentences under the new Animal Welfare Act

A fine of 500 to 10,000 euros will be imposed for minor offenses, 10,001 to 50,000 euros for serious offenses, and 50,001 to 200,000 euros for very serious offenses.

Also, actions that cause injury or death to an animal, prison sentenceswill range from 3 to 12 months if the animal does not die, and 6 to 18 months if he dies.

Criteria for determining the seriousness of a violation

The criterion for determining seriousness will, as a general rule, be whether the offense has been committed. involved the suffering of an animal. Therefore, behavior that harms or alters an animal’s behavior through action or neglect will be considered serious; It will also be considered very serious if it results in the death or permanent sequelae of the animal.

About petty crimesacts that, through action or omission, constitute a breach of responsibilities associated with owning a pet by the responsible persons, but that do not cause injury to the animal in question or changes in behavior. However, some administrative offenses will be considered serious, as detailed below.

Administrative violations, such as identification without harming the animal, are considered violations of legal obligations attached to the ownership of the animal.

Minor and serious crimes

This is a list of crimes stipulated in the new law.

will be minor offenses (fine from 500 to 10,000 euros):

• Allowing animals to roam in public areas without the supervision of their caregivers and to be left unattended.

• Do not take out civil liability insurance for damages to third parties.

• Do not neuter animals that have uncontrolled access to other animals: The clearest example of this is the obligatory neutering of domestic cats that are allowed outside.

• Leaving animals in closed vehicles or in conditions that may pose a health hazard, such as exposing them to hazardous weather conditions. It will also be a crime for dogs to be left unattended at home for more than 24 hours and cats for more than 3 days.

On the contrary, they will serious violations the following legal violations, even if they do not cause physical harm to the animal:

• Do not identify animals with microchips.

• Using animals as unauthorized advertising claims, prizes in contests, sweepstakes or promotions.

• Raise and trade non-native wild animals.

• Not reporting that an animal is lost or stolen within 48 hours (after which time it will be considered abandoned).

Harmful behavior for animals

Behaviors that harm or disturb animals In any case, they will constitute a serious or very serious violation..

will be taken into account Serious crimes (from 10,001 to 50,000 Euros):

• The use of aggressive methods in animal training.

• Unauthorized injuries or body modifications.

• Abandonment of animals, including not taking them from residences, shelters or veterinary centers.

• Theft or abuse of animals.

• Administration of substances not prescribed by a veterinarian that harms an animal’s health or alters its behavior.

• Shipment of live animals, except in cases stipulated by law.

• Withdrawal or relocation of community cats except as required by law.

• Feed with offal of animals that have not passed the health check.

• Keep dogs or cats indoors at all times, whether outdoors (such as balconies) or indoors (such as basements).

will be taken into account very serious crimes (from 50,001 to 200,000 euros):

• Euthanasia of animals with inadequate means or by unskilled personnel.

• Training and use of animals for fighting.

• Use of companion animals for human consumption.

• Kill community cats except where permitted by law.

• Breeding and sale of animals by unauthorized persons (license will be required).

• Sale of dogs, cats and ferrets in pet stores.

• The use of animals in cultural and festive events such as carousels at fairs and circus shows.

Finally, the commission more than one serious offense in three years It will be considered a very serious violation.

It should also be noted that acts involving injuring or killing an animal are punishable by prison sentences ranging from 3 to 12 months unless the animal dies, and if you die 6 to 18 months.

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Contact address of the environment department: crizclimatica@prensaiberica.es