Since the New animal protection regulations have come into force in SpainMany pet owners are increasingly worried about what is and isn't allowed. And rightly so, given the serious consequences of neglecting our furry friends. They can cost us an arm and a leg. If we don't comply with the obligations set by law. The main objective is for animals to live in humane conditions, but it's advisable to be aware of the details to avoid an unpleasant surprise in the form of an administrative notification.
State regulations aim to unify criteria across the country, although we sometimes get confused by the ordinances of each municipality. What is clear is that animal welfare is no longer just an ethical issue, but a strict legal obligation that severely punishes abandonment, mistreatment, or lack of supervision. We must tread carefully, because the law stipulates fines that reach up to 200.000 euros in cases where the animal's life is in serious danger or a fatal outcome occurs.
Classification of fines according to their severity
To understand how financial penalties work, the first thing to know is that the law divides infractions into three very clear categories. Minor infractions, which are usually breaches of obligations that do not cause physical harm to the animal, entail fines starting at 500 euros and they can go up to 10.000. This would include issues such as not having the papers in order or certain oversights during the walk that do not escalate.
Things get serious when we talk about serious offenses, where the fines jump to between €10.001 and €50.000. This range applies when the owner's conduct poses a real risk to the animal's health or causes unnecessary suffering. Finally, very serious offenses are reserved for extreme situations such as training an animal for fighting or causing its death, where The minimum penalty is 50.001 euros, which could also lead to prison sentences and disqualification from owning pets in the future.
Time limits and prohibited spaces
One of the most contentious issues is how long an animal can be left alone at home. The law is clear: a dog cannot be left without human supervision for more than 24 consecutive hours. In the case of cats or other pets, the period is slightly longer, allowing a maximum of three days. Even so, simply leaving the animal to its own devices with a food dispenser is not enough, since Effective and regular monitoring is required. by a responsible person.
Another issue that authorities are closely monitoring is the use of balconies, terraces, basements, or patios. It's no longer acceptable to keep dogs living outdoors permanently; the law prohibits these spaces from being the pet's primary residence. A terrace can be used for the animal to sunbathe or play for a while, but keep it there without free access to the interior or without protection from the weather is considered a violation for leaving pets on terraces and balconies that can empty your bank account in the blink of an eye.
Special mention should be made of the car, which in summer becomes a veritable death trap. Leaving a dog locked in a vehicle in the sun, even if only for a moment to run an errand, is one of the most heavily prosecuted offenses. The inside of a car, at 22 degrees Celsius outside, can reach almost 50 degrees in an hour, so the authorities don't let anything slide. They consider thermal risk an infraction. which can become very serious if the animal suffers lasting effects or dies.
Mandatory insurance and equipment on the walk
Whether your dog is a sweetheart or a tiny pup, the law now requires all dogs to have liability insurance. This policy covers potential damage your pet may cause to others, whether it's a cyclist falling off a vehicle or causing damage to the street. Not having this policy, which is usually inexpensive, can have serious consequences. carry fines of up to 10.000 eurosTherefore, it's worth checking if your home insurance already covers you or if you need to take out a specific policy.
Regarding walks, the regulations have also addressed the accessories we use. Choke collars, electric collars, and prong collars that cause pain or injury to the animal are prohibited. The use of harnesses is recommended, and it is mandatory to keep dogs on a leash in public spaces, except in designated off-leash areas. Furthermore, owners of dogs considered potentially dangerous must continue to comply with [the relevant regulations]. the use of a muzzle and short leashin addition to possessing the corresponding administrative license and having no criminal record.
To avoid legal problems and ensure the happiness of our four-legged companions, the key lies in daily responsibility and leaving nothing to chance. Microchipping, keeping vaccinations up to date, and ensuring the animal is integrated into the family are basic steps to ensure... coexistence is safe and legalUltimately, it's about understanding that having a pet involves certain responsibilities that, if overlooked, have direct consequences for both the animal's well-being and the owner's finances, depending on the regulations. animal welfare law in Spain.
