This new Animal Welfare Law defines regulations for the care of pets from the outset and in practice. Much has been said about this regulation, yet many details remain unclear. The law specifies several penalties for mistreating a pet and outlines how offenses are categorized.
Fines and prison sentences under the new Animal Welfare Act
Minor offenses carry fines from 500 to 10,000 euros. Serious offenses range from 10,001 to 50,000 euros. Very serious offenses can reach from 50,001 to 200,000 euros.
Actions causing injury or death to an animal lead to imprisonment. If the animal does not die, sentences run from 3 to 12 months. If the animal dies, sentences amount to 6 to 18 months.
Criteria for determining the seriousness of a violation
In general, seriousness depends on whether the offense involved the suffering of the animal. Conduct that harms or alters an animal through action or neglect is treated as serious. If the act results in death or lasting damage, it is considered very serious.
Pet owners and responsible guardians can face penalties for acts that do not injure an animal or change its behavior but still breach duties. Some administrative offenses are deemed serious, as described below.
Administrative violations such as identification without harming the animal are considered breaches of ownership obligations attached to the animal.
Minor and serious crimes
This section lists the offenses covered by the new law and how they are classified.
Minor offenses include fines from 500 to 10,000 euros:
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Allowing animals to roam in public spaces without supervision and leaving them unattended.
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Failing to obtain civil liability insurance for damages to third parties.
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Not neutering animals that have uncontrolled access to other animals, such as the requirement to neuter domestic cats that go outside.
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Leaving animals in closed vehicles or in conditions that threaten health, including exposure to dangerous weather. Dogs left unattended at home for more than 24 hours and cats for more than 3 days also constitute a crime.
Very serious offenses are recognized even if no physical harm occurs. The following violations are treated as serious:
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Not identifying animals with microchips.
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Using animals for unauthorized advertising claims, prizes in contests, sweepstakes or promotions.
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Raising and trading non native wild animals.
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Failing to report a lost or stolen animal within 48 hours; afterward the animal is considered abandoned.
Harmful behavior toward animals is treated seriously. Several categories address actions that threaten animal welfare.
Serious offenses, with penalties from 10,001 to 50,000 euros include:
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Use of aggressive methods in animal training.
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Unauthorized injuries or body modifications.
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Abandonment of animals or failure to take them from residences, shelters, or veterinary centers.
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Theft or abuse of animals.
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Administration of substances not prescribed by a veterinarian that harms health or alters behavior.
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Shipment of live animals except where legally permitted.
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Removal or relocation of community cats except as required by law.
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Feeding with offal from animals that have not passed health checks.
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Keeping dogs or cats indoors at all times, whether on balconies or in basements, in ways that restrict welfare.
Very serious crimes carry penalties from 50,001 to 200,000 euros and include:
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Euthanasia of animals using inadequate means or by unskilled personnel.
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Training and use of animals for fighting.
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Use of companion animals for human consumption.
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Killing community cats outside lawful allowances.
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Breeding and sale of animals by unauthorized persons; licenses are required.
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Selling dogs, cats and ferrets in pet stores.
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Using animals in cultural and festive events such as carousels, fairs, or circus shows.
If more than one serious offense is committed within three years, it will be deemed a very serious violation.
The law also notes that acts that injure or kill an animal carry prison sentences ranging from 3 to 12 months if the animal survives, and 6 to 18 months if the animal dies.
Contact details for the environment department have been removed to maintain privacy and compliance.