Animal Welfare Law Spain

THE new animal welfare law approved by the Spanish Congress of Deputies is now in effect. Here are the 10 new obligations for dog owners.

1. Take out civil liability insurance for damages to third parties, whatever the breed or size of the dog.

2. Take a mandatory course. Everyone must take a course and will have a period of two years to do it. All the details are not clear yet about this but it will be free and online.

3. All dogs must pass a sociability test, those that don’t pass will be required to wear a muzzle and a short leash.

4. A dog may be alone at home for a maximum of 24 hours. They cannot live on bal­ conies or in basements. The fine for this can reach €10,000.

5. Pets must be integrated into the family nucleus and kept clean.

6. Avoid uncontrolled reproduction. Breeding may only be carried out by approved breeders.

7. It is forbidden to leave them at any time inside a closed vehicle.

8. They can not be tied up or wander through public spaces without supervision.

9. They should not deposit their droppings or urine in places of habitual passage. If it happens the owner must clean them.

10. Facilitate veterinary treatments.

1. Supervise the interaction between our children and pets. Our pets, even though they are part of the family, are still animals after all and we cannot eliminate the risk of aggression towards children. Especially as kids are known to pull a tail or an ear every now and again.

2. Assign an area where the pet can retreat to when he needs time alone without interaction with the little ones.

3. It helps to define the different areas in the household so for example a play area and a rest area. The use of security gates can help identify each area.

4. As well as training your pets it is helpful to educate children how to play and interact with animals, respecting them and their space.

5. When bringing a pet into a household or a baby into a household with an existing pet it is helpful to warn the animal or the child beforehand.