Controversial animal welfare law already in effect. However, it will not come into force yet because the government in power has not been able to approve regulations that develop rules such as the obligation to take a course to own a pet or the obligation to have an insurance policy.

Beyond that, these are new obligations What does it mean for owners? Petsconsidering the rule stays out to animals that do not belong in urban environments already hunting dogs. If these are not complied with, owners may be subject to fines ranging from 500 to 200,000 euros.

Dogs cannot be left alone for more than 24 hours.

The new law states that dogs They cannot be left alone for more than 24 hours. And rest of pets They cannot remain unsupervised for longer than that period. three days in a row. The rule also prohibits dogs and cats from being left on “terraces, balconies, roofs, warehouses, basements, verandas” or in vehicles.

It is forbidden to leave dogs at the door of the store

Law prohibits storing animals “staying connected or wandering around in public spaces without face-to-face supervision from their caregivers. For example, a dog can no longer be left tied to the door of a supermarket or store.

Mandatory course for owners

One of the obligations left pending is for dog owners who have to take a free online course on responsible ownership once the regulations accompanying the law are approved (when there is a new Government).

liability insurance

Another rule that will not come into force yet due to the regulation requirement is the obligation to recruit personnel. liability insurance It covers possible material and personal damages caused by a dog. The new Administration will give instructions on how this should be done and what amounts it should cover. Until now, this insurance was only mandatory for dogs considered dangerous; This category was also retained by the new law, but initially attempts were made to eliminate it.

Microchipping and neutering cats

The obligation will come into force this Friday. identifying dogs with microchips, cats and poppiesTo guarantee control and security. In this way, if they are lost, they can be found and returned to their owners. Similarly, cats will need to be neutered to prevent indiscriminate breeding and subsequent possible abandonment.

Stores will not be able to sell dogs and cats

In pet businesses Suspending the sale of dogs, cats and ferrets for one year, It can only be purchased from authorized breeders. The aim is to prevent compulsory purchases, which could later lead to animal abandonment, given that around 300,000 animals a year are left in ditches or animal shelters.

Sacrifice of domestic animals is prohibited

In addition to preventing abandonment, another purpose of the standard is to zero sacrifice. Therefore, it is forbidden to kill domestic animals in animal welfare centers that can no longer be sacrificed due to lack of space or economic reasons. euthanasia will only be permitted under the following conditions: veterinary criteria.

Which animals cannot be kept as pets?

Most pets can remain pets (dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, budgies, canaries, turtles), but Dangerous or poisonous animals cannot be raised in homes.wild mammals weighing more than five kilos and reptiles (excluding turtles) weighing more than two kilos, such as snakes or iguanas. Pets cannot be used in public shows or overworked.