What is the new Animal Welfare Law and why does it matter in Spain?
The year 2023 marks a new era for animal welfare in Spain as a major reform bill gained approval for further processing in the plenary session of Congress. This flagship measure aims to guarantee better protection and well being for animals and to address neglect and abuse. While it sparks debate, one controversial element is the exclusion of hunting dogs, which some argue could impact livestock management.
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Emergency legislative action was taken because the issue holds significant societal importance. The initiative advanced with broad political support, supported by the ruling coalition and several allied groups, while some parties registered reservations. A separate draft reform to modify animal abuse provisions in the Penal Code was processed in parallel with the main bill.
Goodbye to breeds of “potentially dangerous dogs,” in the eyes of the new Animal Law
The Veterinary College raised concerns, arguing that the law rests on abstract concepts and does not explicitly recognize the role of veterinarians, which they see as a contradiction. Nevertheless, the law moved forward despite these criticisms.
10 obligations of the new Animal Protection Act for pet owners
The act includes a set of protections for animals, including penalties for rule violators and systems to monitor compliance. Education programs will be established to raise awareness about the respectful and caring treatment of animals.
24 prohibitions in the new Animal Protection Law
The law covers not only the protection of pets but also farm, work, zoo, and aquarium animals, as well as animals used in demonstrations and research, highlighting a broad scope of animal protection responsibilities.
What is known so far about the new rules for dog ownership
With details still unfolding, some core aspects are clear while the effective date remains to be set. The changes have sparked debate, especially around penalties for non compliance. For example, cruelty to a wild animal entering a home could carry significant penalties under the new framework.
Pet stores in Alicante foresee closures due to the new Animal Welfare Law: “This is a disaster”
Part of the concern stems from a shift in terminology within the Penal Code, where the term “pet” is replaced with “vertebrate animal.” A vertebrate is defined as an animal with bones and a spinal column. Under the new law, harming or killing a vertebrate animal could lead to imprisonment or fines. This change has wide implications for how animals are sold and treated in commercial settings.
List of animals you can no longer keep at home in 2023: a broad ban
Other reforms aim to end abuse and abandonment through clear owner obligations. One notable requirement is civil liability insurance to cover third party damages, kept active for the life of the animal. The insurance amount must cover potential costs arising from any incident caused by the animal. This obligation is expanding beyond the previously limited scope that applied mainly to owners of certain dangerous breeds, a category that has been removed under the new rules.
Another major shift is that once the law is in effect, pet stores may not display animals for commercial purposes in display windows or sell dogs, cats, or ferrets. These animals may only be marketed through professionals registered with the Official Pet Breeders Registry.