On September 29, the new law for the protection of animal rights and welfare, better known as the Animal Protection Law, came into force. The new regulations implement more rigorous measures for pet owners, including stricter regulations on the care, feeding and environment of animals. It also contemplates more severe penalties for those who mistreat their pets or do not comply with the provisions of the law.

Among the new features, article 24.d establishes the prohibition of leaving animals alone “inside closed vehicles, exposed to thermal or any other conditions that could put their lives in danger.” This measure is crucial to prevent dangerous situations in which animals may suffer damage due to extreme conditions inside the car, especially in summer coinciding with heat waves.

However, it is important to keep in mind that there are exceptions and nuances in the application of this regulation. The Law distinguishes between different types of vehicles, and motorhomes, by their nature, can be considered different from conventional cars.

In an interview conducted by the journalist and director of the InSedentarios podcast, Dani Guillem, the general director of Animal Rights of the Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030, Sergio García, has assured that a motorhome, a camper van or a housing vehicle It is not a vehicle like the rest.

“They are vehicles that are acclimatized and have ventilation,” García emphasizes. “Being inside (the motorhome) is not the same as in any utility vehicle that is not prepared for people or animals to stay inside. It is not comparable.” Therefore, he is blunt when he says that “nothing is going to happen to people who leave their pets inside the motorhome.”

Sergio García highlights that the Government has established communications with the National Police and the more than 8,000 municipalities in Spain to ensure adequate interpretation of the law in various situations. At the national level, it has been highlighted that motorhomes and residential vehicles are considered special cases within this regulation.

Regarding article 27.d, which establishes the prohibition of keeping “dogs tied or wandering in public spaces without in-person supervision by the person responsible for their care and behavior,” García considers that it does not affect motorhome owners. Speaking to the InSedentarios podcast, he explained that if the dog is tied to the motorhome and we are inside it, parked in a specific area designated for motorhomes, it will not be considered a violation of this article, since we are present.

Both the violation of article 24.d, which prohibits leaving animals inside the vehicle, and article 27.d, which prohibits leaving dogs tied without supervision in public spaces, are minor sanctions that the new regulations punish with a fine of 500 euros.

Likewise, the new Animal Protection Law requires motorhome, camper van or home vehicle users to have their dog registered to be more effective in case of loss and to have cats sterilized to avoid unwanted litters.