A recently enacted animal welfare law introduces a broad set of features that have just taken effect. Among them is a visible change many observers had anticipated: leaving a dog tied to a lamppost or a tree on the sidewalk while shopping is now prohibited.
As explained by Sergio García Torres, who serves as the General Director of Animal Rights at the Ministry of Social Rights, one core article prohibits leaving any animal unattended on public roads, whether loose or tied. This makes a common scene of leaving a dog on the pavement while a shopper steps into a store illegal.
The law also clarifies that dogs, cats, or ferrets can enter facilities where food is not processed, if the business owner approves.
Regarding species that are no longer allowed to be sold, García Torres confirmed that hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and certain birds such as budgies, as well as aquarium fish that are not invasive species, remain available for purchase.
They cannot be left alone for more than 24 hours
The new statute states that dogs cannot be left alone for more than 24 hours. Other domestic pets must not be left unsupervised for longer than this period, and not for three consecutive days.
The law also highlights that dogs and cats may not be left on terraces, balconies, roofs, warehouses, basements, verandas, or inside vehicles.
A notable obligation on pet owners will come once accompanying regulations are finalized by the government, which may include an optional free online course on responsible ownership.
The scope of this rule covers domestic animals and does not extend to wild, working, or production animals. Yet the regulator notes that animals must not be used in carousels, circuses, shows, or any scenario that presents them in an unnatural manner such as live nativity scenes or parades. A veterinarian will assess factors like health status, absence of tethering, and appropriate weather conditions to ensure welfare.
Civil liability insurance for dogs remains on hold until new government actions finalize further regulations.
100,000 animals will be saved annually
The director general emphasized that the law is expected to curb the slaughter of roughly 100,000 animals each year. He described the development as a turning point toward ending the practice of euthanasia in shelters or centers that face space or funding constraints. Euthanasia will be permitted only when veterinary criteria justify it.
In addition to preventing abandonment, the standard seeks to eliminate the practice of euthanasia in shelters that are unable to provide space or meet financial demands.
In pet businesses, the sale of dogs, cats, and ferrets will be suspended for one year and limited to purchases from authorized breeders. The aim is to reduce coercive buying that can lead to later abandonment, given that a large number of animals end up in shelters or on the streets each year.
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The environmental department will provide further guidance upon finalization of regulations in due course.